The first college basketball game played aboard an aircraft carrier in a decade started in style in San Diego as Michigan State led 38-31 over Gonzaga No. With temperatures dropping into the mid-60s and clear skies aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, the weather cooperated well in the first 20 minutes of the 2022 Armed Forces Classic – the carrier version played on Veterans Day.
Madi Sissoko gave the Spartans a huge boost with 10 points and seven rebounds. After averaging just 4.5 minutes per game last season, the budding big man went into a starting role and provided in the first half with Gonzaga star Drew Timi and reserve center Afton Reed in trouble.
The offensive tempo was another story as both teams struggled with outside shooting in an unfamiliar environment, combining to hit just 5 of 20 attempts from a 3-point range. But the Spartans closed off the hemisphere by shooting 50% from the ground and blocking their biggest lead yet when Tre Holloman made a stand-in throwing position at the bell away with transitional help from Tyson Walker.
Keep it locked here for live updates, analysis, and highlights throughout the evening as the Zags and Spartans face off aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln.
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