LAHAINA, Hawaii — In their first matchup at the Maui Invitational since 2019, Michigan State secured a victory against Colorado, winning 72-56 on Monday. Jase Richardson emerged as a key contributor off the bench, scoring 13 points to help the Spartans improve their record to 5-1 for the season. This marks Michigan State’s sixth appearance in the Maui Invitational, and the fifth under the leadership of coach Tom Izzo.

Colorado, with a record of 4-1, was competing away from home for the first time this season. They got off to a promising start, leading early in the game with a score of 16-13, highlighted by a dunk from Bangot Dak. Nevertheless, as the first half progressed, Julian Hammond III brought Colorado within two points at 25-23, but it was Michigan State that eventually pulled ahead.

As the first half continued, Jase Richardson sank a jumper at the 6:06 mark, which initiated a scoring surge for the Spartans. Tre Holloman completed a three-point play shortly thereafter, and Xavier Booker contributed with a jumper alongside a pair of free throws, building Michigan State’s lead to 11 points. Trevor Baskin managed to stop the 9-0 run for Michigan State with a jumper at the 2:14 mark, but Szymon Zapala responded with a dunk and added two free throws, finalizing the first half at 38-25 in favor of the Spartans.

The Spartans extended their lead to as much as 19 points during the second half. Richardson was the standout player for Michigan State, shooting 6 for 8 from the field and successfully making one of his two attempts from the three-point range. His performance was instrumental in a balanced effort, where the reserves scored 40 points. Overall, the Spartans shot 30 of 61 from the field but struggled from beyond the arc, managing only 2 of 21 attempts.

For Colorado, Hammond led the team with 15 points and four assists, hitting 3 of 7 from three-point territory. Elijah Malone also contributed with 14 points. However, Colorado had a tough night shooting, making just 20 of 54 from the field, which accounts for a shooting percentage of 37%, including 4 of 19 from three-point range.

Looking ahead, Michigan State is set to face Memphis, who pulled off an upset against No. 2 UConn, while Colorado prepares to take on the Huskies in the first game on Tuesday.