Michigan State beats Oregon, 68-52, off a career-high night from Carson Cooper

Michigan State capped off a perfect Pacific West Coast trip with a 68–52 win over Oregon on Tuesday night, finishing 2–0 away from East Lansing and continuing its surge through Big Ten play.

The sweep marked a clear step forward from last season, when the Spartans dropped both West Coast games against USC and UCLA.

MSU entered the matchup riding a four-game winning streak following Saturday afternoon’s win over Washington, with each victory coming by double figures. That momentum carried over again Tuesday, even if the game never fully settled into a rhythm.

Carson Cooper delivered the performance of the night, leading all scorers with a career-high 19 points while adding seven rebounds and four blocks. His effectiveness in the low and mid-post steadied Michigan State’s offense, helping the Spartans avoid extended scoring droughts and preventing Oregon from sustaining any meaningful runs.

Cooper was not alone in posting a career milestone. Coen Carr connected on a career-high three three-pointers and finished with 15 points.

Oregon successfully limited several of Michigan State’s usual strengths, particularly early transition opportunities and trips to the free-throw line. The Spartans attempted just nine free throws and scored 12 points off turnovers, a lower output than their season norms.

Senior forward Jaxon Kohler went a second straight game without a made three-pointer after shooting 50 percent from beyond the arc through the season’s first 17 games.

When Michigan State’s offense stalled at times, its defense provided a reliable foundation. The Spartans held Oregon to 39 percent shooting from the field, allowing their defense to carry the night during offensive lulls.

First Half

Michigan State opened the game the way it often does, pushing the pace early, finding easy baskets in transition, and generating second-chance points off offensive rebounds.

Coen Carr found a rhythm quickly, knocking down three jump shots for eight early points, two of them from beyond the arc. While it may have surprised some fans, it likely came as no surprise to head coach Tom Izzo, who has repeatedly highlighted Carr’s work on his perimeter game.

Despite MSU’s strong start and an early 13–4 lead in the opening six minutes, Oregon did not waver and adjusted quickly.

Ducks head coach Dana Altman turned to a press following made baskets, slowing Michigan State’s tempo and forcing the Spartans into half-court sets.

The adjustment proved effective. Oregon pushed MSU deep into the shot clock on multiple possessions, resulting in several shot-clock violations.

As Michigan State worked to adjust, Oregon settled into its offensive sets and began playing at its preferred pace.

A notable first-half stat came from Jeremy Fears Jr., who recorded just one assist before halftime. With the offense less fluid, the Spartans found scoring elsewhere. Senior transfer Trey Fort knocked down a pair of jumpers, while Carson Cooper led Michigan State with nine first-half points.

Second Half

Oregon carried its momentum into the second half, briefly taking the lead a few minutes in after forcing a turnover that led to a layup, followed by a three-pointer on the next possession.

Michigan State responded quickly when Carr buried his third three-pointer of the game, marking a career-high night from beyond the arc.

Several lead changes followed as both teams looked to seize control.

The Spartans finally created separation after a made three from Fort, pushing his total to nine points, followed by back-to-back layups from Cooper.

From that point on, Cooper became Michigan State’s primary offensive option, as Oregon struggled to contain him on the low block.

While Carr did not deliver his trademark high-flying dunks, he showcased a different dimension of his game, one that continued to expand his offensive profile.

After shooting just 25 percent from three-point range in the first half, Michigan State adjusted its approach in the second half, becoming more selective from deep. The result was improved efficiency, as the Spartans shot 50 percent from beyond the arc after halftime.

Michigan State capped its 2026 West Coast trip with two wins, improving to 17–2 overall and 7–1 in Big Ten play. The Spartans now have a three-day break before returning home to face Maryland in their ninth conference matchup.