Phenom Hoops continues to bring you terrific college basketball coverage, as we enjoyed a great night with the State Farm Champions Classic. It brought four big-time programs all to the court, as first No. 4 Kentucky took on Michigan State, and then No. 6 Kansas took on No. 7 Duke. We dive into the games and our thoughts.
Final: Michigan State 86 – No. 4 Kentucky 77 2OT
Stats:
Kentucky:
Oscar Tshiebwe: 22 points (9-for-17), 18 rebounds, 4 blocks
Sahvir Wheeler: 16 points, 8 assists, 2 steals
Cason Wallace: 14 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 8 steals
Jacob Toppin: 10 points, 4 rebounds
Michigan State:
Joey Hauser: 23 points (8-for-16), 8 rebounds, 1 steal
Malik Hall: 20 points (7-for-11), 5 rebounds
Mady Sissoko: 16 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals
Tyson Walker: 14 points, 6 assists, 2 blocks, 1 steal
AJ Hoggard: 4 points, 9 assists, 5 rebounds
Thoughts:
- What a showing by Oscar Tshiebwe for Kentucky, as he made his season premier on the biggest of stages to start the season. It was going to be interesting to see how many minutes he was going to get but he was an absolute difference-maker for the Wildcats. Unfortunately, he fouled out in overtime but played 34 minutes and finished with 22 points and 18 rebounds.
- I was really impressed as well with the freshman Cason Wallace. We spoke about him earlier in the year about his presence on the court and he could really be a difference-maker more towards the end of the season with what he provides on both sides of the court. He filled it up, finishing the night with 14 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 8 steals. His ability to get in the passing lane, make plays in creating steals and turning into points, and his ability to get downhill but also at times knock down shots from outside, Wallace is going to be a huge piece for Kentucky. Senior Sahvir Wheeler posted strong numbers as well with 16 points and eight assists.
- Michigan State
