No. 17 Michigan State secured a dominant 83-66 victory over No.
12 Kentucky at the Champions Classic in Madison Square Garden. The Spartans showcased their best shooting performance of the season, particularly from beyond the arc, which had been a season-long struggle.
Jaxon Kohler led Michigan State with a game-high 20 points, supported by Kur Teng's career-high 15 points off the bench and Trey Fort's 13 points. Jeremy Fears contributed with eight points, a career-high 13 assists, and six rebounds.
Michigan State also out-rebounded Kentucky significantly, 42-28, and significantly improved their three-point shooting, making 11 of 22 attempts after entering the game as one of the worst three-point shooting teams in the nation. Kentucky struggled offensively, shooting just 35.1 percent from the field and a dismal 7-for-30 from three-point range.
Otega Oweh was the leading scorer for the Wildcats with 12 points. Michigan State established a significant lead early in the game and maintained control throughout, with the victory snapping a two-game skid for the Spartans in the Champions Classic.
