For the 15th time, the Champions Classic will commence, pitting college basketball’s best against one another. In the 2025 edition, taking place at Madison Square Garden in New York City, it will be No. 17 Michigan State going up against No. 12 Kentucky.
Coming into the game, MSU is 3-0, looking to earn another signature win after defeating Arkansas 10 days ago. Meanwhile, Kentucky is sitting at 3-1, looking to get their first signature win after dropping a rivalry contest to Louisville last week.
This is also the first matchup between Tom Izzo and Mark Pope as head coaches.
Follow along for live updates and highlights from the Champions Classic:
Halftime: Michigan State 44, Kentucky 27
A commanding first half from the Spartans is capped by a gorgeous buzzer beating two-point bucket from Kur Teng. Largest lead of the game takes the Spartans into the break up 17.
3:08 1H: Michigan State 40, Kentucky 25
Intensity and dominance continues from the Spartans, whose defensive effort is causing all kind of fits for Kentucky. MSU is hitting their shots too. 15-point lead heading into the final stretch of the half.
6:31 1H: Michigan State 31, Kentucky 19
A 17-2 run forces Kentucky to call timeout and MSU is in control.
7:45 1H: Michigan State 25, Kentucky 19
Michigan State’s energy and physicality is having an obvious effect on Kentucky at this point in the game. Spartans hold on to a 6-point lead at the under-8 media timeout.
11:33 1H: Michigan State 19, Kentucky 17
After a long stretch to open the game, a quick stretch to the under 12 ensues with MSU going on a 5-0 spurt to regain the lead.
13:15 1H: Kentucky 17, Michigan State 14
A long up and down stretch opened this game before the initial media timeout. Spartans have (shockingly) made four threes thus far in this game, but Wildcats continue to answer. Izzo will need to sure some defensive things up.
How to Watch
Date / Tip Time: Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 6:30 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Michigan State vs Kentucky: Live updates, highlights and more
Reporting by Cory Linsner, Spartans Wire / Spartans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
