DETROIT, Mich. - Despite keeping it a one-point game after the first 20, the Golden Grizzlies eventually fell to the #20 Michigan State Spartans, 77-58, tonight inside Little Caesars Arena for 'College Basketball in the D'.

The Golden Grizzlies (3-6, 1-1 HL) were led by DQ Cole who paced the team with 17 points, as Malcolm Christie was right behind with his 15. Off the glass, both Cole and Isaiah Jones matched each other's team-highs with eight each.

The Spartans (9-2, 2-0 B1G) saw Jaxon Kohler tally a double-double, with 14 points and 10 boards, as Xavier Booker led Michigan State, off the bench, with 18 points.

The game began with defensive intensity from both teams. Oakland's Isaiah Jones was active on the boards early but couldn't convert on second-chance opportunities. Michigan State struck first with Jaxon Kohler's jumper, assisted by Jaden Akins, setting the tone for the Spartans' efficient play.

Cole provided the first spark for the Golden Grizzlies, knocking down a three-pointer at the 16:25 mark to cut the early deficit to 4-3. Cole showcased his sharpshooting throughout the half, hitting multiple three-pointers to keep Oakland within striking distance. Allen Mukeba added key baskets in the paint, providing much-needed support, along with a handful of crucial blocks.

The Golden Grizzlies found momentum midway through the half, as Cole's back-to-back three-pointers gave Oakland its first lead of the game with 8:12 remaining. Michigan State knotted things back up before a Christie free throw gave Oakland its lead again, but Michigan State quickly responded and retook the lead. A Christie three tied things up at 30 apiece with 1:27 to play before one Spartan free throw had Michigan State ahead after the first 20, 31-30.

Although the Golden Grizzlies kept it a one-point game, the Spartans shot better from the field, at a .407 clip compared to Oakland's .278 mark. After the first 20, the Golden Grizzlies won the offensive rebound category, 9-8, but the Spartans held the edge overall with 25 compared to 18. Furthermore, Oakland tallied six makes from range compared to Michigan State's four.

The Spartans used a quick 7-0 run in the opening minutes of the half to secure a double-digit lead as it didn't look back from there. Oakland continued to rely on Cole's shooting and Mukeba's hustle plays, but the Golden Grizzlies struggled to find consistent scoring against Michigan State's defense. The Spartans maintained a double-digit lead for most of the second half, with their balanced scoring proving too much for Oakland to overcome, as Oakland fell the the nationally-ranked Spartans, 77-58.

Oakland shot slightly better in the second half, at a .333 clip, to bump its team mark to .302, as it drilled 11 threes on the nights. Michigan State, on the other hand, only made two more threes in the final 20 but also upped its mark from the field, finishing with a .433 mark. Off the glass, the Spartans led by 20 as it finished the game with 51.

The Golden Grizzlies return to Horizon League play Thursday (Dec. 19) as it faces Cleveland State on the road. All Oakland games this season will be live streamed through audio via The Bet1270 AM (WXYT-AM) & the Audacy App with Neal Ruhl on the call.