ATLANTA — In an impressive display, Hunter Dickinson scored an impressive 28 points, leading the No. 1 Jayhawks to a 77-69 victory over Michigan State in the Champions Classic. This game marked a significant milestone for head coach Bill Self, who became the winningest coach in Kansas history, surpassing Phog Allen’s longstanding record.
With just under nine minutes left in the matchup, Jaxon Kohler of Michigan State tied the game at 52 with a timely 3-pointer, but KJ Adams Jr. quickly responded with two free throws, putting Kansas (3-0) in the lead for good.
In his 22nd season with the Jayhawks, Self’s record now stands at 591 wins and 143 losses, eclipsing Allen’s previous mark of 590 wins and 129 losses across 36 seasons.
Frankie Fidler ended the night as the scoring leader for the Spartans (2-1) with 15 points, but struggled to gain any momentum throughout the game.
Kansas has now achieved consecutive victories over formidable opponents, having recently defeated No. 10 North Carolina with a score of 92-89.
Key Takeaways
Kansas faced considerable adversity after a rough patch that saw them miss 15 consecutive field-goal attempts. However, the team managed a remarkable turnaround, with a 14-2 run propelling them from an 18-16 deficit to an impressive 30-20 lead.
Conversely, Michigan State struggled with their shooting efficiency, particularly from long-range, hitting only 3 of 24 attempts from beyond the arc.
Crucial Moment
A pivotal moment occurred when Dajuan Harris Jr. executed a fast-break layup, drew a foul, and converted a three-point play, increasing the lead to 68-59 with 4:25 remaining. After the play, Harris celebrated by remaining on the court and clapping enthusiastically. He contributed significantly to the win, finishing with 11 points and six assists.
Notable Statistics
The towering 7-foot-2 Dickinson demonstrated his dominance by successfully making 13 of 21 shots and securing 12 rebounds. His defensive prowess was also on display, as he recorded three steals and one block.
Looking Ahead
Kansas will return to their home court on Saturday to face Oakland, while Michigan State prepares to host Bowling Green on the same day.