Jase Richardson came off the bench to score 13 points, leading Michigan State to a convincing 72-56 victory over Colorado in their first Maui Invitational appearance since 2019, Reported by AP News.
The Spartans (5-1), under head coach Tom Izzo, showcased their depth and resilience in the sixth Maui Invitational in program history and the fifth under Izzo’s leadership. Colorado (4-1), playing its first road game of the season, started strong but couldn’t sustain the momentum against Michigan State’s well-rounded performance.
The Buffaloes opened the game with energy, taking an early 16-13 lead after a 6-2 run capped by a powerful dunk from Bangot Dak. They kept it close for much of the first half, with Julian Hammond III hitting a jumper to cut Michigan State’s lead to just two with 7:42 remaining. However, the Spartans soon found their rhythm.
Jase Richardson sparked Michigan State’s offense, hitting a jumper with 6:06 left in the first half. Tre Holloman followed with a three-point play, and Xavier Booker added a jumper and two free throws, extending the Spartans’ lead to 11. By halftime, a strong finish capped by Szymon Zapala’s dunk and free throws pushed Michigan State to a commanding 38-25 lead.
The Spartans controlled the second half, leading by as many as 19 points. Richardson, the only Michigan State player to score in double figures, delivered an efficient performance, hitting 6 of 8 shots from the field. His efforts highlighted a 40-point contribution from the Spartans’ bench, emphasizing the team’s depth.
Michigan State shot an impressive 30 of 61 (49%) from the field but struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 2 of 21 three-point attempts. Despite the long-range woes, the team’s dominance in other areas secured the win.
For Colorado, Julian Hammond III led the way with 15 points, including 3 of 7 from three-point range, while Elijah Malone added 14 points. The Buffaloes struggled overall, shooting just 37% (20 of 54) from the field and 21% (4 of 19) from beyond the arc.
The victory highlights Michigan State’s strong start to the season and sets a positive tone for their remaining Maui Invitational matchups. With Richardson leading the charge, the Spartans demonstrated their potential to compete at the highest level.