Michigan State got all they could handle from Division II Chaminade before pulling away late to win, . In a surprising turn of events, tournament host Chaminade went into halftime tied with the No. 2 Spartans, never allowing Michigan State to build a comfortable lead. The Spartans used a quick scoring burst with just under 15 minutes to go in the game to take the lead and finally put the game away.
It was the Kalin Lucas show for Michigan State tonight as the senior guard used a strong performance to hold off Chaminade and avoid an embarrassing upset. Lucas finished with 28 points to lead all scorers. Outside of Lucas, it was a quiet night for Michigan State, with only three players in double figures. Draymond Green added 10 points and Korie Lucious chipped-in 13. Green also pulled down nine boards.
Chaminade used a balanced scoring attack to hang with the Spartans. Four of the five Silverswords’ starters were in double figures, led by Steven Bennett’s 20 points. Shane Hanson (15), Mamadou Diarre (16) and DeAndre Haskins (11) joined Bennett in double figures. Diarre, a 7-foot-0 transfer from USC, pulled down 12 boards for Chaminade on the night. The Silverswords’ out-rebounded Michigan State by a 31-28 margin.
Michigan State moves on to face Connecticut in the winner’s bracket while Chaminade battles Wichita State on the losers’ side. Through three games in Maui today, the tournament has easily lived up to its billing, providing non-stop action and outstanding individual performances.