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Regardless of the opponent, Friday is a big game for Denzel Valentine, who will be asked to fill a larger role after fellow freshman Gary Harris left Tuesday's win with an injury. Throw in that he will be playing his brother, Drew, and the game gets even bigger for Valentine.
The younger Valentine and Michigan State will be facing Oakland on Friday night. The Spartans barely survived an upset bid by Boise State on Tuesday, holding on for a 74-70 victory.
Oakland is just 2-3 this season, but did take Pittsburgh to overtime last week in a game that the Grizzlies squandered in regulation.
Aside from the battle of the Valentines, the player to watch is Keith Appling. The junior guard had perhaps his best game as a Spartan against Boise State, finishing with 22 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists. Without Harris, the Spartans will need him to score more.
Game time: 8:15 p.m. ET
TV: Big Ten Network
Radio: WJR-AM (760)