Tue Nov 12 22:40:00 UTC 2024: ## Spartans Face Stiff Test Against No. 1 Kansas in Champions Classic Showdown

**EAST LANSING** – Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo has always emphasized facing top-tier competition on the biggest stages, and this Tuesday night’s Champions Classic matchup against No. 1 Kansas fits the bill perfectly. The Spartans, 2-0, will be put to the test against the powerhouse Jayhawks, 2-0, at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. EST, with the game airing on ESPN.

Izzo views the Champions Classic as a privilege for his program, and he sees this early-season clash as an opportunity to gauge where his team stands. He’s been impressed with the Spartans’ recent practices, but acknowledges the pressure of the big stage and the unknown of how his players will perform under the bright lights.

“It’s a great measuring stick, positively or negatively,” Izzo said. “Would you like a couple more games under your belt? Maybe. But why not figure out where you are now?”

MSU has opened the season with two comfortable victories, but those wins exposed some areas for improvement. The Spartans’ depth, size, and balance were on display against Niagara, but their 3-point shooting struggles remain a concern.

Meanwhile, Kansas boasts a strong roster, led by transfer Zeke Mayo (20 points per game) and former Michigan nemesis Hunter Dickinson. The 7-foot-2 center, now in his second season with the Jayhawks, is a proven threat in the paint.

Izzo also highlighted the importance of getting more from freshman Frankie Fidler, who has struggled to make a big impact in his first two games with the Spartans. The coach acknowledged the challenges of transitioning between levels of play, but expressed confidence in Fidler’s ability to contribute.

The Jayhawks’ key player to watch is KJ Adams Jr., a 6-7 senior swingman known for his hustle and playmaking ability. Izzo praised Adams’s game, comparing him to former Spartans Draymond Green and Xavier Tillman.

MSU has a history with Kansas in the Champions Classic, going 2-2 against them in the event. The Spartans are 5-8 overall in the showcase, with their last win coming against then-No. 4 Kentucky in 2022.

The Spartans will need to find a way to overcome their 3-point shooting woes and match the Jayhawks’ physicality and intensity if they hope to upset the top-ranked team in the country. The game promises to be a highly anticipated battle, offering both teams a chance to prove themselves early in the season.

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