Kentucky Defeated by Michigan State in No. 12 vs. No. 17 Clash
No. 12 Kentucky faced a challenging match against No. 17 Michigan State during the Champions Classic at Madison Square Garden in New York. The Wildcats struggled, ultimately losing 83-66 to the Spartans.
Kentucky vs. Michigan State: Game Overview
Kentucky started strong, with Collin Chandler scoring the first five points. However, Michigan State quickly responded, pulling ahead with a series of successful three-pointers. Otega Oweh led Kentucky with 12 points, while Denzel Aberdeen, Collin Chandler, and Mo Dioubate each added 10 points to the scoreboard.
Shooting Stats
| Team | Three-Point Shooting | Total Points |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | 7 of 30 (23.3%) | 66 |
| Michigan State | 11 of 22 (50%) | 83 |
Michigan State excelled from beyond the arc, while Kentucky struggled significantly with their shooting percentage. The Spartans maintained the momentum throughout the game, resulting in a powerful performance.
Game Highlights
- Kentucky led briefly at 15-12 after a layup from Chandler.
- Michigan State responded with a 9-0 run, taking a commanding lead.
- At halftime, Michigan State held a comfortable 44-27 advantage.
- Oweh attempted to rally Kentucky in the second half but fell short.
- The game concluded with Kentucky unable to close the gap as MSU secured the victory.
Next Steps for Kentucky
Following this defeat, Kentucky is set to play Loyola (Md.) on Friday at Rupp Arena. The game is scheduled to tip off at 7 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on SEC Network Plus. The Wildcats will aim to regroup and improve their performance.