Mahalo to BMW of Maui for sponsoring our ESPN Honolulu coverage of the 2024 Maui Invitational!

By Jeff McKeown

Despite going 0-9 from the three, Michigan State closed the first half on a 17-4 run with a stifling defensive and rebounding effort to take a 38-25 lead into the half.

They cruised in the second half, leading by as many as twenty to a 72-56 victory. 

The Spartans got 40 points from their bench, led by Jase Richardson who amassed 13 points. Coen Carr added 8 and two highlight dunks. The Michigan State fan base was well-represented, and they added fuel to the Spartans’ fire.

Julian Hammond III had 15 points for the Buffaloes while Elijah Malone chipped in 14.  

Michigan State will play Memphis tomorrow in the semifinals.  

Photos: Lori McKeown