Michigan State basketball gave the No. 1 team in the country a tough test on Tuesday night but ultimately came up short in the end.
The Spartans fell against Kansas, 77-69, in the Champions Classic from the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Ga. Michigan State kept it close throughout the game, but the Jayhawks made more plays down the stretch to win the game.
Michigan State trailed Kansas at halftime by the score of 30-24. Both teams had a poor shooting effort in the opening frame, but a late run by the Jayhawks put them ahead at the break.
The Spartans got right back into the game in the second half, tying it up multiple times in the final frame. However, Kansas was able to use a solid run late in the game to pull away for the victory.
This was the Spartans’ first loss of the season. Michigan State is now 2-1 overall this year.
Michigan State will return to the floor on Saturday in a home matchup against Bowling Green. Tipoff from the Breslin Center is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET.
Check out some of the best photos from the game below: