Coronado, Calif. – Michigan State was in position to make a massive statement just days into the season.
The Spartans, despite misfiring on free throws and turning the ball over, were in control of the No. 2 team in the country, leading Gonzaga by 12 points early in the second half of the Armed Forces Classic aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln.
But the Bulldogs aren’t a Final Four contender for nothing and they came storming back, taking advantage of some cold Michigan State shooting to rally for a 64-63 victory.
Jaden Akins got a shot to win the game at the buzzer, but it banged off the back of the rim.