The opening game of the Champions Classic between No. 4 Kentucky and Michigan State has thus far lived up to the billing and then some, as the Wildcats and Spartans exchanged body blows early in a thrilling first half. Michigan State leads 36-34 at the half after trailing for most of the opening frame, this after digging out of a seven-point deficit midway through the opening 20 minutes of action.
Kentucky welcomed back big man Oscar Tshiebwe to the lineup for the first time this season coming off the bench as he recovers from a knee injury, and — no surprise here — he was a huge reason UK was pacing the game early. In only 12 minutes of action he tallied a team-high 11 points and seven rebounds.
Michigan State’s hot outside shooting — it hit 5 of 13 from 3-point range — is the difference so far. UK went a dreadful 2-of-10 from deep while Joey Hauser made three 3-pointers on his own for Sparty and two others knocked one down from distance.
We should be in for a fun finish from Indy so stay tuned for live updates below.