Lions Conflict Causes ESPN To Move Michigan State-Oakland Tipoff To New Time

On Dec. 16, the Spartans face off against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies in a double-header at Detroit's fresh stadium, Little Caesar's Arena. The game, which follows a match-up between Michigan and Detroit Mercy, was scheduled to air on ESPN2.

Originally scheduled for 4:00 p.m., Kyle Austin of mLive.com reported ESPN pushed the Spartans-Golden Grizzlies tipoff to 2:30 p.m. A schedule conflict with the Detroit Lions, who play the Chicago Bears at 4:30 p.m. that day, spurred the network's decision. ESPN also announced it would now air both games on ESPNU.

The Michigan-Detroit Mercy game will now take place at 1:00 p.m.

Previously, Michigan State Athletic Director Mark Hollis expressed his disappointment with the timing issue. On Sept. 13, Oakland Men's Basketball head coach Greg Kampe expressed a possibility the start time would shift.

The doubleheader, billed as "The District Detroit Basketball Showcase" will be the first college basketball games played at LCA.