The Michigan State Spartans faced off against the No. 22 Connecticut Huskies in the semifinals of the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament in the Bahamas on Thanksgiving day, and walked away with a 64-60 victory. The Spartans will go on to play the winner of the Virginia Commonwealth versus Baylor (No. 6) contest on Friday at 11 a.m. Eastern Time in the Battle 4 Atlantis final.
Michigan State jumped out to an early 6-0 lead by the first media timeout, and grew its lead to seven points at 17-10 by the second media timeout. The Spartans continued the strong start at the under-eight-minute timeout, as the lead was at 10 points at the 7:12 mark in the first half, thanks to five quick points — including a three-pointer — by freshman Pierre Brooks II.