Michigan State basketball has faced a setback as they are unlikely to emerge victorious in the Maui Invitational. In the semi-finals against Memphis, the Spartans were outperformed in the second half. The Tigers took the lead early and maintained it throughout, securing a 71-63 victory.

Unraveling Michigan State's Maui Invitational Journey

First Half Struggle and Third-Point Shooting

The first half was a closely contested affair, with neither team able to build a significant lead. Michigan State showcased improved three-point shooting, making five outside shots to stay in the game. Jase Richardson's buzzer-beating three at the break cut Memphis' lead to 34-31, giving the Spartans hope.During this period, the team's ability to connect from beyond the arc kept them in striking distance and demonstrated their potential. It was a crucial aspect of their game that gave them a chance to come back in the second half.

Second Half Collapse and Memphis' Dominance

Despite tying the game early in the second half, Michigan State couldn't maintain their momentum. Memphis went on a 21-6 run, building a 15-point lead that proved too much for the Spartans to overcome. This sudden shift in the game showed the Tigers' dominance and Michigan State's inability to keep up.The Spartans struggled to find their rhythm and make the necessary plays to get back in the game. Memphis' offensive and defensive performance was superior, allowing them to pull away and secure the victory.

Player Performances and Overall Team Standings

Richardson led the Spartans in scoring with a new career-high 18 points in the loss. Jaden Akins contributed 12 points and Frankie Fidler added 10 points. Despite their efforts, the team's overall performance was not enough to secure a win.With the loss, Michigan State drops to 5-2 overall. They will now face the loser of North Carolina-Auburn in the third-place game on Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. ET. This final game will be an opportunity for the Spartans to end their Maui Invitational stay on a positive note.Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to stay updated on Michigan State news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Robert Bondy on X @RobertBondy5.