No. 9 Tennessee holds on to beat No. 4 Michigan St 89-88 in charity game for Maui Strong Fund

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) — In an exciting exhibition game, No. 9 Tennessee narrowly defeated No. 4 Michigan State 89-88 with Dalton Knecht’s outstanding 28 points and Jordan Gainey’s 20th point on a free throw with 1.9 seconds remaining. The game aimed to raise funds and awareness for the Hawai’i Community Foundation Maui Strong Fund.

“It was commendable to participate in such a game,” stated Spartans coach Tom Izzo. “The NCAA allowing us to do something like this was the right opportunity for us.”

A.J. Hoggard’s game-tying 3-pointer with 5 seconds remaining pulled the Spartans into a tie after rallying from double-digit deficits in each half. Gainey was then fouled and made one of two free throws to secure the victory.

In another charity game benefiting the same organization assisting in relief efforts for the deadliest U.S. wildfire in over a century, Top-ranked Kansas faced No. 25 Illinois. Kansas coach Bill Self returned for the first time since leaving to lead the Jayhawks.

“We should be allowed to play two or three of these,” expressed Volunteers coach Rick Barnes. “It prepares us better due to the atmosphere. We can come together for different great causes around the country.

Tyson Walker scored 22 points and Malik Hall and Hoggard contributed 14 points each for the Spartans.

Despite being exhibition games, the Breslin Center matchup had the intensity and energy of a game in March according to Izzo.

The arena was almost filled with over 14,000 fans who attended the exhibition, which was not part of the season-ticket plan, and all proceeds will be donated. Coaches and players wore Hawaiian shirts and warm-up shirts displaying the message “Maui Strong” over their jerseys.

“It’s truly something special,” said Barnes. “We’re glad we could show our appreciation to the people in Maui for their contributions to college basketball.

“I’m grateful that what we accomplished can somehow assist them.”

Gainey’s hot start included making his first five shots, including four from beyond the 3-point line, allowing the Vols to take an 18-point lead midway through the first half. Walker and Hall combined for 16 points to help Michigan State narrow the deficit to 40-37 at halftime.

The Vols made crucial shots, defensive stops, and free throws to secure the win, benefiting both teams as they prepare for a season with high expectations.

Tennessee is set to participate in this year’s Maui Invitational, beginning with a game against Syracuse on November 20 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Due to the devastating wildfires in Lahaina, the tournament was relocated. The field also includes Kansas, No. 3 Purdue, and No. 11 Gonzaga.

The Maui Invitational has organized an online auction with all proceeds directly supporting relief and recovery efforts after the fires that claimed the lives of at least 115 people on the island in August. The Hoops for ’Ohana auction is being held in partnership with the Hawaii Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund.

“My heart breaks for what’s happening over there and the fact that it will take a long time to rebuild,” Barnes reflected.

UP NEXT

Tennessee: Faces Lenoir-Rhyne on Tuesday at home.

Michigan State: Hosts James Madison on November 6 in the first of two expected tune-up games before taking on No. 2 Duke on November 14 in Chicago.

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AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball