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Michigan State-Kentucky opener more of a barometer than a season-changer

(Photo: Daniel Mears, Detroit News)

East Lansing — This is starting to become old hat for Cassius Winston.

As No. 1 Michigan State gets set to take on No. 2 Kentucky in the Champions Classic at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night, the college basketball world is buzzing. The 1 vs. 2 matchup is the capper to an impressive first night that includes No. 3 Kansas taking on No. 4 Duke in the first game in the Big Apple.

In a marquee event that’s been the highlight of the early part of the season since it began in 2011, this one stands out as the first time all four teams have occupied the top four spots in the Associated Press rankings.