The men’s college basketball season for 2024-25 kicked off last Monday with numerous games. However, many enthusiasts waited until Tuesday night to watch as four of the nation’s top and most successful teams faced off.

This matchup held a significant historical moment.

Top-ranked Kansas secured a 77-69 victory over Michigan State, marking coach Bill Self’s 591st win with the Jayhawks. This achievement means he has surpassed the legendary Phog Allen to become the program’s all-time coaching victory leader.

Leading the charge for Kansas was Hunter Dickinson, who scored a game-high 28 points on 13 of 21 shooting. The fifth-year senior also grabbed a game-high 12 rebounds.

The game was highly competitive, featuring 11 ties and two lead shifts. Kansas held a 10-point lead late in the first half and closed the game with a 17-12 run after leading 60-57 with just under six minutes to go.

Ranked No. 1 in the YSL News Sports Coaches Poll, the Jayhawks started the season well, concluding an undefeated week with a thrilling 92-89 win against then-No. 10 North Carolina in a lively Allen Fieldhouse.

Below are the scores, updates, highlights, and more from the Kansas vs. Michigan State matchup at the Champions Classic:

Kansas basketball vs Michigan State score updates

Kansas vs Michigan State live updates

Final: Kansas 77, Michigan State 69

Jeremy Fears’ steal and layup keeps Michigan State in the game

With just 50 seconds left and Kansas trying to run down the clock while leading by eight, Jeremy Fears Jr. managed to steal the ball and score on an uncontested layup.

As it stands, the Jayhawks lead 72-66 with 45.9 seconds to go. Michigan State needs more breakthroughs like that, as Fears’ smart play keeps them within reach.

Kansas pulls ahead of Michigan State

The Spartans narrowed the gap to four points at 63-59 after a basket from Szymon Zapala, but Kansas quickly countered with five straight points from Dajuan Harris Jr., capping it off with a three-point play.

With 3:29 remaining, Kansas expands its lead to nine at 68-59, marking the largest margin for either team since the first half.

AJ Storr’s three-pointer helps Kansas gain a five-point lead

As the second half intensified with both teams exchanging leads, Kansas began to create a bit more separation.

AJ Storr, transferring from Wisconsin, netted a three-pointer that pushed Kansas ahead by five. Following a free throw from Hunter Dickinson, the margin grew to six with 7:17 left.

Michigan State’s second three-pointer of the night ties the score

Despite struggling from long range, missing 15 of their first 16 attempts, the Spartans found some rhythm. Jaxon Kohler stepped up and made a shot from near the key, tying the game at 52 with 8:51 left, prompting Bill Self to call a timeout.

Both teams starting to pick up the pace

What began as a slow first half has turned into a thrilling contest at the Champions Classic.

The teams combined for 13 successful shots out of 25 attempts in the second half, with Hunter Dickinson reaching 23 points on 11-of-16 shooting, along with eight rebounds—the highest in the game.

Kirk Cousins in attendance to watch Michigan State vs. Kansas

Atlanta Falcons quarterback and former Michigan State player Kirk Cousins was spotted at State Farm Arena to cheer for his alma mater against Kansas.

Cousins joined other former Spartans at the game, including Steve Smith, who played five of his 14 NBA seasons with the Atlanta Hawks, and Mark Dantonio.

Michigan State trims the deficit to start the second half

The Spartans opened the second half strong, narrowing the gap to just two points after outscoring Kansas 8-4 in the first four minutes.

Frankie Fidler led Michigan State with four points early in the second half.

Halftime: Kansas 30, Michigan State 24

Kansas took control toward the end of the first half, executing a 12-2 run that gave them a 30-20 lead, but Jase Richardson’s four-point play helped Michigan State stay close.

Some stats at halftime:

• • Field goal percentage: Kansas 36%, Michigan State 26%
  • 3-point percentage: Kansas 20%, Michigan State 9%
  • Turnovers: Michigan State 7, Kansas 6
  • Rebounds: Kansas 25, Michigan State 22
  • Bench points: Michigan State 18, Kansas 9
  • Points in the paint: Kansas 18, Michigan State
  • Assists: Kansas 10, Michigan State 3

  Leading the pack for Kansas was Hunter Dickinson, who scored 15 points and grabbed six rebounds, while Michigan State’s Richardson, who came off the bench, contributed eight points.

  Jase Richardson nails four-point play

  Highly regarded freshman Jase Richardson, son of former NBA and Michigan State star Jason Richardson, has been a standout for Michigan State. He made a significant impact with a thrilling play.

  As the Spartans were down by 10 in the dying seconds of the first half, Richardson hit a three-pointer and was fouled in the process. He converted the free throw, pulling Michigan State to within six points as they headed into halftime.

   

  Kansas surge puts them ahead by five

  After a rough beginning, Kansas has started to click offensively. They went on a 7-0 run in just over a minute and a half, taking a 23-18 lead with 3:20 left in the first half.

  Despite a rocky start where they missed 21 of their first 27 shots, Bill Self’s squad has found their groove, making four of their last five attempts. Hunter Dickinson has been particularly effective, scoring 15 points while hitting seven of his ten attempts.

   

  Hunter Dickinson reaches double digits

  Despite the offensive struggles experienced by both teams, one player has shined through it all.

  With 7:05 left in the first half, Hunter Dickinson has reached 10 points, securing most of Kansas’ scoring. He’s made five of their six field goals and leads with four rebounds.

   

  Shooting woes continue for Kansas, Michigan State

  The score is tied at 10 midway through the first half, largely due to poor shooting performance. Both teams, particularly Kansas, have had good opportunities but have struggled to convert.

  Combined, the Jayhawks and Spartans have made only six of their 32 field goal attempts. Hunter Dickinson stands out, hitting four of five, while the rest of the team collectively is two for 27.

  Michigan State takes the lead with an 8-0 run

  Though the Spartans got off to a slow start, they scored six consecutive points to level the game with 13:13 remaining in the first half.

  Kansas has gone scoreless for over four minutes, struggling to convert their last 10 shots after a decent start, making four of their first eight attempts.

   

  Hunter Dickinson scores Kansas’ first eight points

  Hunter Dickinson, well-acquainted with Michigan State from his three seasons at Michigan, has utilized this familiarity effectively, racking up all eight of Kansas’ points early in the matchup.

  Pregame

  Referees for Kansas vs Michigan State basketball game

  Officiating the game between Kansas and Michigan State in Atlanta on Tuesday night are Keith Kimble, Paul Szelc, and Tony Padilla.

   

  Starting lineups for Kansas and Michigan State

  Here are the starting players for both teams in Tuesday night’s matchup, as per the StatBroadcast feed:

  Kansas

  • G Dajuan Harris Jr.
  • G Zeke Mayo
  • G Rylan Griffen
  • F KJ Adams
  • C Hunter Dickinson

  Michigan State

  • G Jeremy Fears Jr.
  • G Jaden Akins
  • F Frankie Fidler
  • F Xavier Booker
  • C Szymon Zapala

  Where to watch Kansas vs Michigan State

  • Channel: ESPN
  • Live Streaming: Watch ESPN app | Fubo (free trial)

  The Kansas-Michigan State game will be broadcast on ESPN, featuring Dan Shulman delivering play-by-play commentary and Jay Bilas providing analysis, with Jess Sims serving as the floor reporter. You can also stream the game via the watch ESPN app or Fubo, which offers a free trial.

   

  Stream Kansas vs Michigan State in the Champions Classic on Fubo (free trial)

  Kansas vs Michigan State historical record

  • Series record: Series tied 5-5
  • Kansas’ last victory: 2021 (Kansas 87, Michigan State 74)
  • Michigan State’s last victory: 2015 (Michigan State 79, Kansas 73)

  Predictions for Kansas vs Michigan State

  Graham Couch, Lansing State Journal: Kansas 83, Michigan State 74

  “I find it hard to envision MSU winning unless they significantly improve their three-point shooting. This game will be a test of how prepared this team is to compete at a high level. Unlike previous years where MSU defeated underperforming teams, this Kansas team is undeniably a formidable contender.”

  Betting odds for Kansas vs Michigan State

  Odds provided by BetMGM as of Monday, Nov. 11

  • Moneyline: Kansas -250 | Michigan State +195
  • Spread: Kansas (-5.5)
  • Over/under: 150.5 points

  Michigan State basketball schedule for 2024-25

  Here’s a glimpse of the Spartans’ schedule for November 2024-25, including game start times. For the complete schedule, click here.

  All times in ET

  • Monday, Nov. 4: vs. Monmouth (W, 85-67)
  • Friday, Nov. 8: vs. Niagara (W, 96-60)
  • Tuesday, Nov. 12: vs. Kansas, Champions Classic, 6:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, Nov. 16: vs. Bowling Green, 6 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Nov. 19: vs. Samford, 8 p.m.
  • Monday, Nov. 25: vs. Colorado, 5 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Nov. 26: vs. UConn/Memphis, TBA
  • Wednesday, Nov. 27: vs. UNC/Dayton/Iowa State/Auburn, TBA

   

  Kansas basketball schedule for 2024-25

  A look at the Jayhawks’ schedule for November 2024-25, including game start times.

  All times in ET

  • Monday, Nov. 4: vs. Howard (W, 87-57)
  • Saturday, Nov. 9: vs. North Carolina (W, 92-89)
  • Tuesday, Nov. 12:
  • Tuesday, Nov. 12: Facing Michigan State during the Champions Classic at 6:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Nov. 19: Competing against UNC-Wilmington at 8 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Nov. 26: Scheduled match with Duke at the Vegas Showdown, starting at 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, Nov. 30: Playing against Furman, time to be announced.