Connect with us

Kentucky

How Spartans Saw Offensive Explosion Against Kentucky

Published

on

How Spartans Saw Offensive Explosion Against Kentucky


The Michigan State Spartans picked up a major victory against the Kentucky Wildcats in the Champions Classic, 83-66. 

The Spartans get their first Champions Classic victory since 2022, which also came against Kentucky. MSU was in control of the game almost from the very beginning. 

One of the most encouraging parts of MSU’s victory was how well the team shot the ball from the floor. Tom Izzo’s team has struggled to score in the first few games, especially from three-point range. 

But on Tuesday night, the Spartans saw the ball go in the basket at a higher rate than they have all season. Kentucky has been a middle-of-the-pack defense in the early going of this season, and the Spartans exposed that, despite being a below-average offensive team themselves. 

Advertisement

How were the Spartans able to hit so many shots and have such a big offensive performance? Let’s break it all down. 

MS

Nov 18, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Jeremy Fears Jr. (1) reacts during the second half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images / Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The biggest and most important part of the Spartans’ offense is how point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. sees the floor. He had 13 assists and leads the nation in that category. 

Not only does Fears put up assist numbers, but he is seeing the floor so much better than in the last few seasons. He can read the defense and find an open player without letting the defense speed him up.

According to ESPN, Fears’ 13 assists are the most by a Spartan against an AP-ranked team since Mateen Cleaves in 1999. It is clear that Fears is on the path to becoming one of the best Spartan point guards, which is an exclusive list. 

Jesse McCulloc

Nov 18, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Jesse McCulloch (35) goes to the basket against the Kentucky Wildcats during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images / Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The Spartans’ young, unknowns also contributed to the offensive success, as players like Kur Teng and Jesse McCulloch made big shots at key moments throughout the game. 

Advertisement

Kentucky went on a 13-4 run to cut the lead to 10, but McCulloch nailed a three-pointer from the corner to push the lead back to 13. The Spartans eventually continued to extend the lead after McCulloch hit that big shot. 

Teng, a player the team needed to emerge as a contributor, poured in a career-high 15 points. The sophomore has always been a talented shooter, and he has the opportunity to show he is capable of being a big-time scorer for this team. 

MS

Nov 18, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Kur Teng (2) shoots the ball as Kentucky Wildcats guard Collin Chandler (5) defends during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images / Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Teng hit three three-pointers, including a big-time shot near the end of the first half. This game can give him confidence as the Spartans continue to take on tough opponents. 

MSU finally saw the ball go in the basket at a high clip. It may not be like this every game, but the Spartans should be encouraged by what they saw on Tuesday night.

Feb 3, 2018; Bloomington, IN, USA; A view of the Michigan State Spartans logo on a pair of Nike Lebron 15s worn by a member of the Michigan State Spartans against the Indiana Hoosiers in the first half at Assembly Hall. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images / Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

Keep up with all our content when you follow the official Spartan Nation page on Facebook, Spartan Nation, WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE, and be sure to share your thoughts on the Spartans’ offensive effort against Kentucky when you join our community group, Go Green Go White, WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.

Advertisement

Don’t forget to give us a follow on X @MSUSpartansOnSI as well.



Source link

Kentucky

Kentucky Lottery Cash Ball, Pick 3 Evening winning numbers for June 25, 2026

Published

on

Kentucky Lottery Cash Ball, Pick 3 Evening winning numbers for June 25, 2026


play

The Kentucky Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at Thursday, June 25, 2026 winning numbers for each game.

Advertisement

Cash Ball

02-08-24-32, Cash Ball: 09

Check Cash Ball payouts and previous drawings here.

Pick 3

Evening: 6-3-0

Midday: 9-6-0

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Advertisement

Pick 4

Evening: 5-7-6-0

Midday: 5-2-6-6

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Millionaire for Life

03-13-14-34-45, Bonus: 01

Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Advertisement

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Courier Journal digital producer. You can send feedback using this form.



Source link

Continue Reading

Kentucky

Takeaways from Kentucky’s home and away SEC schedule for next season

Published

on

Takeaways from Kentucky’s home and away SEC schedule for next season


On Thursday, Kentucky’s home and away SEC opponents for the 2026-27 season were revealed and on top of learning the three opponents who they will play twice, there are some very intriguing matchups. In conference play, Kentucky will face six teams who are among the top 25 in many preseason rankings.

In SEC play, Kentucky will play Tennessee, Vandy and Ole Miss all both home and away. The home matchups include Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, LSU, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas A&M and Vandy. As for the road tilts, the Wildcats will face Florida, Georgia, Mississippi State, Missouri, Ole Miss, Oklahoma, Texas, Tennessee and Vandy. Let’s take a look at some interesting developments from the schedule release.

Advertisement

Jan 24, 2026; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope claps after a possession during the second half against the Mississippi Rebels at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images | Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

John Calipari returns to Rupp Arena (again)

In Calipari’s first year with Arkansas, he got the best of Kentucky when he came into Rupp Arena and left with a 10-point victory, a game where you could really feel the tension all game long in the building from Kentucky fans, which translated onto the court with the players. Last season, it was Kentucky who shocked everyone when they stole one on the road against a top 20 Arkansas team after a rough up-and-down season up to that point. Now, the two will face off again as Kentucky will look to get the win in Rupp and make sure Calipari doesn’t get two in a row in the building. It’ll be another highly-anticipated showdown.

Advertisement

Jan 31, 2026; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope shakes hands with Arkansas Razorbacks head coach John Calipari prior to the game at Bud Walton Arena. Kentucky won 85-77. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images | Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

Advertisement

Kentucky hits the road at Texas

This is shaping up to be a major challenge for Kentucky next season and may even end up being one of the biggest games of the season. Texas is seen by many as a clear top 10 team, with some even having them within the top five and when you combine that with the fact that the game is on the road, the Wildcats will have their hands full. The Wildcats fell to the longhorns in the 2024-25 season, and it’ll be a much stiffer challenge this time.

Advertisement

Feb 15, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope argues with an official during the second half against the Texas Longhorns at Moody Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images | Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Which game could be a trap?

Advertisement

We don’t have the game-by-game dates yet, so it’s hard to say with a lot of confidence, but opponent-wise, Georgia could really give Kentucky fits. In Pope’s first year, his team struggled handling the physicality of the Bulldogs and now, they’ve retained one of their best guards for another year and have added physicality through the portal. Mike White’s teams love to make opponents uncomfortable and they could do that once again down in Athens. Another sneaky team to watch is Oklahoma, who will have very good guard play. Kentucky will face both teams on the road.

Overall, it’s a pretty fair SEC schedule for a Kentucky team who has the capability of a return to being atop the conference once again. Mark Pope has such a system-fit squad and he can do some damage in the SEC.

Sign up to our free newsletter and follow us on Facebook and YouTube for the latest news.

Add us as a preferred source on Google



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Kentucky

Can you set off fireworks in Kentucky? See laws ahead of Fourth of July

Published

on

Can you set off fireworks in Kentucky? See laws ahead of Fourth of July


play

  • Kentucky state law permits fireworks use unless prohibited by local ordinances.
  • In Louisville and Jefferson County, larger display fireworks are illegal, but smaller items like sparklers are allowed.
  • Certain fireworks are banned in Louisville if their labels include words like “explosive,” “rocket,” or “firecracker.”
  • Safety officials advise keeping water nearby, not relighting “dud” fireworks, and never allowing children to ignite them.

Fourth of July is almost here, and Kentuckians are getting ready to light up the sky.

Before you plan your fireworks celebrations, it’s important to know what is and isn’t allowed under Kentucky law. Here’s what to know about fireworks laws and safety tips in the Bluegrass State ahead of Independence Day.

Advertisement

Can you set off fireworks in Kentucky?

Yes. As long as you live in a place where local ordinances don’t prohibit it, according to the Kentucky State Fire Marshal’s website.

Are fireworks legal in Louisville?

In Louisville or Jefferson County, larger display fireworks are not legal due to a local law. Some consumer products that don’t leave the ground, such as sparklers, are allowed.

If the cautionary label on the firework has the words “explosive,” “emits flaming pellets,” “flaming balls,” “firecracker,” “report” or “rocket,” it is automatically a no-go, according to the Louisville-Jefferson County Code of Ordinances.

But, smaller ones like sparklers, cylindrical or cone fountains, wheels and ground spinners are legal. Still, don’t let the size fool you − they can burn up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

Advertisement

Learn more: Check out these 4th of July events taking place across Kentucky

How to use fireworks safely

The state fire marshal suggests following the following advice when using fireworks:

  • Use fireworks outdoors.
  • Obey local laws.
  • Keep a bucket of water or a working water hose nearby.
  • Use fireworks as intended and avoid altering them or combining them.
  • Never relight “dud” fireworks. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
  • Spectators should keep a safe distance from the person lighting the firework (the individual lighting it should wear safety glasses).
  • Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a “designated adult operator.”
  • Do not use homemade fireworks or illegal explosives.
  • Report illegal explosives to the fire or police department in your community.
  • Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.
  • Read and follow all instructions on the label.

Former Courier Journal reporter Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez contributed. Reach Marina Johnson at Marina.Johnson@courier-journal.com.



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending