The Michigan State Spartans are riding high in the 2025 Big Ten Tournament, and one player who’s turning heads is sophomore standout Coen Carr. On March 14, 2025, Carr delivered a gritty, game-changing performance that helped the Spartans secure a 74-64 victory over the Oregon Ducks in the quarterfinals.
With 10 points and a career-high-tying 8 rebounds, Carr’s intensity and hustle were the talk of the town, propelling the No. 1 seed Spartans into the semifinals against Wisconsin. But this win isn’t just about advancing—it’s also about making a case for a coveted No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Let’s dive into how Carr grew up before our eyes, what this win means for Michigan State, and what’s next for this powerhouse team.
A Star in the Making: Coen Carr’s Big Night
Picture this: it’s a high-stakes Big Ten Tournament quarterfinal at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, and Michigan State is locked in a battle with Oregon. The Spartans, ranked No. 6 nationally with a 27-5 record, are the top seed in the tournament, but the Ducks aren’t going down without a fight. Enter Coen Carr, a 6-foot-6 sophomore swingman known for his athleticism and high-flying dunks. On this night, though, it wasn’t just his highlight-reel slams that made the difference—it was his relentless effort and maturity on the court.
Read Also: Netflix’s $320M Sci-Fi Flop or Hit? The Electric State Leaves Critics Cold but Tops Charts!
Carr finished the game with 10 points and 8 rebounds, tying his career high in boards. While he missed a couple of dunk attempts and took a hard foul on another, his impact went far beyond the stat sheet. Legendary coach Tom Izzo couldn’t hide his pride in the post-game locker room, saying, “Coen grew up today, in a lot of ways.” And he’s right—Carr’s performance was a turning point for the Spartans, showcasing a level of intensity and hustle that lifted the team when they needed it most.
In the first half, Carr drained a rare 3-pointer—his first of the season—that helped Michigan State close strong and take a 42-32 lead into halftime. But it was his second-half heroics that truly sealed the deal. Over a crucial 6½-minute stretch, Carr grabbed five rebounds, including a put-back after a teammate’s shot, and ignited the crowd with an end-to-end hustle play. Despite getting fouled hard by Oregon’s Nate Bittle on a dunk attempt, Carr’s energy sparked a 15-0 run that turned a one-point deficit into a commanding lead.
“I just gotta play hard,” Carr said after the game. “The coaches told me to play fearless, play reckless, play free. That’s what I tried to do.” His effort wasn’t just about points—it was about heart, hustle, and making the little plays that win big games.
Team Effort: Spartans Rally Past Oregon
While Carr’s performance stole the spotlight, he wasn’t alone in pushing Michigan State to victory. The Spartans’ bench outscored Oregon’s 27-12, with significant contributions from players like Carson Cooper. The 6-foot-11 junior center chipped in 6 points and 5 rebounds, all in the first half, including a pair of put-back buckets that helped MSU take control after Oregon briefly led 28-27. Michigan State dominated the offensive glass, outscoring the Ducks 13-0 in second-chance points in the first half alone.
The starting guards—Jase Richardson, Jaden Akins, and Jeremy Fears Jr.—combined for 40 points, but their shooting was off, hitting just 12 of 33 field goals and 12 of 20 free throws. Richardson led the team with 17 points, despite a 4-for-13 shooting night, while Akins added 12 points and Fears contributed 11 points and 5 assists. The trio struggled at the free-throw line, a surprising dip for a team ranked 12th nationally at 78.9% entering the postseason. As a team, MSU shot just 17 of 29 from the line, a trend that’s crept into their recent games but hasn’t stopped their winning streak.
The second half started rocky for the Spartans, with four early turnovers allowing Oregon (24-9) to close within one point after an 11-2 run, capped by a Keeshawn Barthelemy 3-pointer. Izzo called a timeout with 15:33 left, and that’s when Carr took over. His energy, combined with the team’s defensive tenacity, turned the tide and ensured Oregon couldn’t mount a comeback.
The Bigger Picture: A No. 1 Seed in Sight?
Michigan State’s victory over Oregon wasn’t just about advancing in the Big Ten Tournament—it’s part of a larger narrative. The Spartans have now won eight straight games, including their last seven regular-season contests, to secure the Big Ten regular-season title and the No. 1 seed in the tournament. This win streak has them dreaming big, with players and fans alike buzzing about the possibility of a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, set to be revealed on Selection Sunday, March 16, 2025.
“That’s the talk around the locker room,” said freshman guard Jase Richardson, who took a knee to the neck late in the game but confirmed he’ll be ready for the semifinals. “We’re trying to get a 1-seed.” The Spartans’ recent dominance, coupled with their strong showing against Oregon, has bolstered their case. Former Michigan coach John Beilein even said, albeit reluctantly, that Michigan State deserves consideration for a top seed in the NCAA bracket.
However, Izzo remains pragmatic. “I don’t ever talk about things I have no control over,” he said, suggesting that the NCAA selection committee likely has its bracket mostly set before Sunday. Still, the Spartans see their semifinal matchup against Wisconsin as a chance to make one final statement—and potentially add a Big Ten Tournament banner to their collection.
“We feel like we gotta win this tournament to have a chance to get a 1-seed,” said Jaden Akins. For Michigan State, it’s not just about seeding—it’s about proving they’re a championship-caliber team.
Looking Ahead: Semifinals vs. Wisconsin
Next up for Michigan State is a semifinal showdown with the No. 5 seed Wisconsin Badgers on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 1 p.m. ET, broadcast on CBS. The Spartans already beat Wisconsin 71-62 on March 2 in East Lansing, but the Badgers are coming off a convincing 86-70 win over UCLA in the quarterfinals. Wisconsin used a deep rotation, going nine players deep, and will be hungry for revenge after their earlier loss to MSU.
The Badgers are led by sharpshooter John Tonje, a transfer from Missouri who’s averaging 18.9 points per game and shooting 37.8% from beyond the arc. Michigan State’s defense will need to step up to contain Tonje and Wisconsin’s balanced attack. If the Spartans can replicate their defensive intensity from the Oregon game, they have a strong chance to advance to the Big Ten Tournament championship game for the first time since winning it in 2019.
Here’s a prediction: Michigan State’s defense will rise to the occasion, limiting Wisconsin’s scoring opportunities and capitalizing on second-chance points. The Spartans pull away late for a 78-68 victory, setting up a championship clash on Sunday, March 16.
Coen Carr’s Growth: A Game-Changer for MSU
Coen Carr’s emergence as a key contributor couldn’t have come at a better time for Michigan State. The sophomore forward has always been known for his athleticism—his high-flying dunks have been a highlight of the 2024-25 season—but his performance against Oregon showed a new level of maturity. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor, especially on the boards, adds a dynamic element to the Spartans’ lineup.
Carr’s hustle plays—like the end-to-end run that drew a hard foul and ignited the crowd—aren’t just about points; they’re about momentum. They energize his teammates, fire up the fans, and put pressure on opponents. As Izzo put it, “Coen grew up today,” and that growth could be a game-changer as Michigan State pushes deeper into the postseason.
Carr’s teammates also praised his effort. “You just gotta play hard,” Carr said, echoing the mindset instilled by his coaches. That blue-collar mentality fits perfectly with Izzo’s coaching philosophy, and it’s a big reason why the Spartans are thriving in crunch time.
What This Win Means for Michigan State
The victory over Oregon is more than just a step forward in the Big Ten Tournament—it’s a statement. Michigan State has been on a tear, winning eight straight games, and they’re peaking at the right time. The Spartans’ ability to overcome a shaky second-half start, rely on their bench, and close out a tough opponent shows why they’re a legitimate contender in both the Big Ten and NCAA Tournaments.
The team’s free-throw struggles (17-for-29 against Oregon) are a concern, especially after shooting just 69.5% from the line over their last seven games compared to 81% earlier in the season. But Izzo isn’t losing sleep over it. “They missed some free throws that they’ve made all year long,” he said. “I’m gonna lose sleep over a lot of things, that won’t be one of them.” For now, the Spartans’ resilience and depth are carrying them through.
This win also sets the stage for a thrilling weekend in Indianapolis. A victory over Wisconsin would send Michigan State to the Big Ten Tournament final, giving them a shot at their sixth tournament title under Izzo and further solidifying their NCAA resume.
Read Also: Why Ted Lasso Stole Our Hearts – The Secret Behind Its Irresistible Charm!
Final Thoughts: Can Michigan State Go All the Way?
Michigan State’s journey in the 2025 Big Ten Tournament is shaping up to be a memorable one, and Coen Carr’s breakout performance against Oregon is a big reason why. His intensity, hustle, and growing confidence are lifting the Spartans at a critical moment, while the team’s depth and defensive prowess make them a formidable force.
As they prepare to face Wisconsin in the semifinals, the Spartans have their eyes on two prizes: a Big Ten Tournament championship and a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. With players like Carr stepping up alongside stars like Richardson, Akins, and Fears, Michigan State has the pieces to make a deep run in both tournaments.
What do you think? Can Michigan State keep their winning streak alive and claim the Big Ten crown? Will Coen Carr continue to shine as the Spartans chase NCAA glory? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going as March Madness heats up!
This article is approximately 1,700 words, 100% original, and written in a friendly, engaging tone with proper headings and subheadings. The title is clickbait-worthy, and the content is designed to captivate readers while providing a detailed, human-friendly recap of Michigan State’s win over Oregon. Let me know if you’d like any adjustments!
