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Michigan State basketball featured in nation’s top broadcasts to open the season

Paul Harvey

By Paul Harvey

Published:

Michigan State basketball is off to a strong start in nonconference play this season. The Spartans are also drawing a lot of eyeballs from their recent games.

Tuesday’s Champions Classic upset of No. 4 Kentucky drew 2.03 million viewers on ESPN. That number makes it the most-watched college basketball game of the young season.

Michigan State’s matchup against No. 2 Gonzaga also drew 1.48 million viewers, a mark good enough for the No. 3 spot so far this season.

Michigan State’s upset of Kentucky went to double overtime and was brilliant work from Tom Izzo and his squad. After the win, Izzo said the Spartans have to “recapture our culture” following some disappointing seasons.

Though the Spartans lost to Gonzaga, the Armed Forces Classic came down to the wire against a team many believe could be capable of a run to the Final Four. Nevertheless, Michigan State is looking good despite entering the year unranked.

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.