Michigan State unleashes a first-half three-point explosion, dominating Kentucky on the glass and seizing a commanding lead.
Michigan State and Kentucky knew this matchup would be a battle from the opening tip. These are two teams with Sweet 16 expectations—and maybe even Elite Eight or Final Four potential. Losing this game won’t derail anyone’s season and winning it won’t cut down any nets, but don’t tell either team that.
You could feel the intensity right away during the pregame midcourt interviews with both coaches. And that intensity translated directly into the opening minutes of the game.
After a few early misses, both teams settled in—and then the threes started flying. It felt like someone should’ve built an ark with the way shots were raining down. One after another, deep bombs dropped, turning the game into a fast-paced, high-scoring shootout. Honestly, it’s not the type of tempo many expected Tom Izzo’s team to embrace.
Entering tonight, the most threes Michigan State had made in a game this season was six. Against Arkansas—their only ranked opponent to date—the Spartans made just one. So to see the Spartans open by scoring 15 of their first 17 points from beyond the arc (5-of-8) was a welcome sight for MSU fans, players, and coaches alike. Everybody knew this group could shoot, but this start confirmed that long-range scoring is in the Spartans’ arsenal when they need it.
No one should expect Michigan State to suddenly morph into the Splash Brothers, but this start was exactly what the doctor ordered—especially on the road in a top-20 showdown.
MSU ripped off a 9–0 run midway through the half and physically imposed their will on Kentucky.
With seven minutes left, the Spartans tied their season-high for made threes—and 15 seconds later they set a new one. At 7-for-12 from deep and in the middle of a dominant 17–2 run, Michigan State took full control of the half against the 12th-ranked Wildcats.
They weren’t just hitting threes—they were dominating the glass as well. Michigan State outrebounded Kentucky 25-14, playing noticeably bigger, hungrier, and more connected in every facet of the game.
Michigan State Three-Pointers Made
- Jaxon Kohler (2)
- Trey Fort (2)
- Coen Carr
- Kur Teng
- Jesse McCulloch
Kentucky Three-Pointers Made
- Denzel Aberdeen
- Otega Oweh
- Collin Chandler
- Kam Williams
Michigan State enters halftime leading 44–27, the largest lead by either team tonight. The Spartans have simply been the better team through 20 minutes. But it’s college basketball—and no lead is safe, especially not in a top-20 matchup.
The Spartans will look to keep their foot on the gas in the second half on ESPN in the Champions Classic.