**Kansas Edges Spartans In Champions Classic, 77-69**

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Post on Nov 13, 2024

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Kansas Edges Spartans in Champions Classic, 77-69: Jayhawks Dominate Second Half

The Kansas Jayhawks, ranked No. 4 in the preseason AP Poll, opened their season with a hard-fought 77-69 victory over the Michigan State Spartans in the Champions Classic. The game, played at Madison Square Garden in New York City, saw the Jayhawks overcome a halftime deficit to secure the win.

A Tight First Half

The first half was a tightly contested affair, with both teams trading blows. Michigan State, led by senior guard Tyson Walker, held a slight advantage in the early going. The Spartans capitalized on turnovers and aggressive defense, building a lead as large as 10 points.

Key Players in the First Half:

• Tyson Walker (MSU): 10 points and 3 assists in the first half, demonstrating his ability to orchestrate the Spartan offense.
• Jalen Wilson (KU): 11 points in the first half, proving to be a consistent scoring threat for the Jayhawks.

Despite the Spartans' efforts, the Jayhawks managed to stay within striking distance thanks to the scoring prowess of Jalen Wilson and the steady play of point guard Dajuan Harris Jr. The teams went into halftime with the Spartans holding a slim 37-34 lead.

The Jayhawks Take Control in the Second Half

The second half saw a complete shift in momentum, as Kansas came out with renewed energy and intensity. The Jayhawks' defense tightened, forcing the Spartans into tough shots and turnovers.

The Second Half Turnaround:

• Defensive Pressure: Kansas applied relentless pressure on the Spartans, forcing 12 turnovers in the second half.
• Offensive Efficiency: The Jayhawks shot 55% from the field in the second half, including 4-of-6 from three-point range.

Key Performances:

• Jalen Wilson (KU): Finished with a game-high 25 points and 7 rebounds, displaying his all-around talent.
• Gradey Dick (KU): Led the Jayhawks with 14 points, making his mark as a key contributor in his freshman year.
• Dajuan Harris Jr. (KU): Recorded 12 points, 4 assists, and 3 steals, exhibiting his leadership and defensive prowess.

The Jayhawks' run culminated in a commanding lead, with the Spartans struggling to find their rhythm. Kansas ultimately sealed the victory with a strong finish, demonstrating their depth and resilience.

What's Next for Both Teams

The victory marks a promising start for the Jayhawks, who are looking to make another deep run in the NCAA tournament. They face a tough test next against the Duke Blue Devils on November 11th.

The Spartans, on the other hand, will look to bounce back from the loss and build on their strong first half performance. They will face the Gonzaga Bulldogs on November 12th in a high-profile matchup.

This early-season clash between two basketball powerhouses provided a glimpse of the exciting competition that awaits in the upcoming season. The Kansas Jayhawks proved their mettle with a second-half surge, while the Michigan State Spartans showcased their potential for a strong season.