Kansas Basketball: Spartans have been problematic in Champions Classic
By Mike Norris
November 17, 2015 — No. 13 Michigan State 79, No. 4 Kansas 73
The second loss for Kansas in the Classic to Michigan State came once again with the Jayhawks as the higher-ranked team in the contest. Kansas entered the game 1-0 again, but this year they were following a disappointing performance in the NCAA Tournament after losing to in-state foe Wichita State in the second round.
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However, the Jayhawks reloaded once again and were led by senior Perry Ellis and a plethora of talented juniors in Frank Mason III, Wayne Selden Jr., and Landen Lucas.
Kansas showed its talent early, jumping ahead 26-13 midway through the first half with a balanced scoring effort. Even though Michigan State cut into the lead, the Jayhawks still led by six at halftime and looked the better team throughout the first half.
They grew the lead to 11 on a Mason layup at the 9:43 mark and looked to be cruising toward a victory. Just four minutes later, behind the strength of future AP Player of the Year Denzel Valentine, the Spartans suddenly had a 65-64 lead.
A back-breaking three-pointer from Matt McQuaid grew the lead to 75-71 with 55 seconds left, and four free throws the rest of the way was enough for Michigan State to hold on to the lead for good.
Valentine ended the game with a triple-double of 29 points, 12 assists and 12 rebounds, prompting Self to change his mind a bit about the senior, per the Associated Press.
"“I’ve always thought he was a good player, but tonight I think he proved to everybody he’s an exceptional player,” Self added. “He totally controlled the game when they were coming back.”"
It was another game the Jayhawks let slip away to start the season. Now, three years later, they have a chance to get into the win column against another talented Michigan State team. Here are the keys tonight that will help put an end to the losing streak.