Michigan State outlasts Tshiebwe, No. 4 Kentucky in 2OT

INDIANAPOLIS – Michigan State discovered a method to end.

The search continues for No. 4 Kentucky – even with consensus nationwide participant of the yr Oscar Tshiebwe again in motion.

Malik Corridor pressured two additional intervals with dunks off inbounds performs, Mady Sissoko delivered two game-changing slams late within the second additional time, and Michigan State rallied to beat No. 4 Kentucky 86-77 on Tuesday night time.

“I simply noticed (coach) Tom (Izzo) within the hallway and I mentioned you have been extra ready to complete than we have been,” Kentucky coach John Calipari mentioned.

The Spartans (2-1) have been prepared thanks partly to what they endured on Friday, after they misplaced by one level to No. 2 Gonzaga on the deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln.

However in addition they bought some assist when Oscar Tshiebwe, final season’s consensus nationwide participant of the yr, fouled out late within the first additional time after scoring 22 factors and flattening 18 rebounds in his season debut for the Wildcats (2-1).

Joey Hauser scored 23 factors, Corridor had 20 and Sissoko had a career-high 16 factors with eight rebounds for the Spartans, who spent a lot of the second half enjoying catch-up.

Sissoko modified the tenor of the sport together with his tiebreaking alley-oop slam with 1:45 left within the second OT.

“There’s nothing higher than seeing Mady going up for a lob as a result of it’s going to be a dunk,” Hauser mentioned.

And with Tshiebwe on the bench, Michigan State closed it out by outscoring Kentucky 13-1, the ultimate blow approaching one other dunk by Sissoko within the closing minute.

“Yeah, I set them up. I mentioned, `Let’s simply go dunk the the rattling ball,” Izzo mentioned sarcastically. “I like dunks in all probability as a result of I by no means might.”

Kentucky led 62-60 close to the top of regulation when Tshiebwe misplaced Corridor on an inbound move. Corridor took benefit by dunking with 3.7 seconds left.

“Give them credit score, they did what they needed to do,” Calipari mentioned. “However the (first) out-of-bounds play, that’s one thing we by no means do. We simply left him.”

It occurred once more within the first additional time when Corridor broke free because the Spartans moved the ball into the entrance courtroom. He drove in for the dunk to tie it 71-71 with 1.4 seconds left.

Story continues

After Cason Wallace’s 3-pointer early within the second additional time gave Kentucky a 76-73 lead, the Spartans locked down Kentucky’s shooters and pulled away.

BIG PICTURE

Michigan State: Izzo’s groups at all times appear to complete stronger than they begin and if these Spartans do this once more this season, they may very well be scary. Regardless of poor early taking pictures, they overcome a sluggish begin to knock off a top-five group.

Kentucky: The Wildcats returned to the venue from their final loss, a first-round NCAA Event defeat to Saint Peter’s in March, and left with the identical consequence. Sure, they’re massive, lengthy, athletic and defend nicely. However they’ll have to develop a closing punch.

POLL IMPLICATIONS

Michigan State: The Spartans have been unranked within the preseason AP Prime 25 and once more this week. They’ll possible transfer into the ballot after two sturdy showings towards top-five foes.

Kentucky: Calipari’s squad didn’t want Tshiebwe final week. He missed the primary two video games whereas recovering from a knee process. However when he’s on the ground, the Wildcats are clearly one of many nation’s high groups. They might slide just a few spots after this loss however may have an opportunity to get better – if they’ll beat No. 2 Gonzaga on the highway this weekend.

HE’S BACK

Dick Vitale returned to ESPN’s broadcast Tuesday night time following his battle towards most cancers. Vitale missed most of final season when his signature voice was impaired by lymphoma and melanoma.

He sat at midcourt, in entrance of Wildcats followers, and opened the printed by thanking everybody who despatched textual content messages and notes of help and acknowledged the well-known phrases of his late pal Jim Valvano – “Don’t quit. Don’t ever quit” – impressed him to persevere.

HE SAID IT

“That’s a extremely good group and that shall be an incredible group,” Izzo mentioned. “So all you Kentucky followers, don’t soar off the ship. I advised John, it’s unlawful to have that many seniors at Kentucky.”

UP NEXT

Michigan State: Hosts Villanova on Friday.

Kentucky: Hosts South Carolina State on Thursday.

Michigan State outlasts Tshiebwe, No. 4 Kentucky in 2OT initially appeared on NBCSports.com