Michigan State basketball will not win the Maui Invitational.
The Spartans were simply outperformed in the second half of Tuesday’s semi-finals matchup of the Maui Invitational against Memphis. The Tigers led most of the way, and never trailed in the second half in the 71-63 victory over the Spartans.
The first half was tight throughout, with neither team ever building a double-digit lead. Michigan State showed improved three-point shooting, with five made outside shots to keep them in striking distance. That included a buzzer-beating three from Jase Richardson to cut the Memphis lead to 34-31 at the break.
Michigan State was able to tie the game up early into the second half, however, from there Memphis took control. The Tigers went on a 21-6 run to build a 15-point lead that ultimately Michigan State could never dig out of.
The Spartans were led in scoring by Richardson, who set a new career-high with 18 points in the loss. Jaden Akins (12 points) and Frankie Fidler (10 points) followed in scoring for the Spartans.
Michigan State drops to 5-2 overall with the loss to Memphis. The Spartans will wrap up their stay at the Maui Invitational in the third place game on Wednesday. Michigan State will face the loser of North Carolina-Auburn at 9:30 p.m. ET.
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