They weren’t leaving Maui without beating North Carolina. Or at least put up the best wire-to-wire fight they could. It’s as if they firmly understood that if you want to be taken seriously,

Tre Holloman is a third-year guard at Michigan State who had appeared in 76 games for the Spartans before Wednesday. Career starts: two. Starts this season: zero. But with an opponent in North Carolina that starts three guards 6-foot-3 or smaller,

As North Carolina tried to claw even with guard Elliott Cadeau scoring 11 of his 15 points in the second half, the Spartans maintained a multi-possession lead most of the way. Guard Jaden Akins picked up 10 points in the second half, finishing tough buckets.

Tre Holloman and Xavier Booker combined for eight points in overtime and Michigan State held off No. 12 North Carolina 94-91 for third place in the Maui Invitational.

Columnist Graham Couch gives his thoughts on MSU's performance in a loss to Memphis in the Maui Invitational semifinals with three quick takes.

MAUI, Hawaii — Memphis basketball took down Michigan State 71-63 Tuesday to advance to the Maui Invitational championship game for the first time in program history. The Tigers (6-0) will face No. 3 Auburn (6-0) on Wednesday (4 p.m. CT, ESPN).

Michigan State will leave Maui with much to improve on, but a lot to feel encouraged about. The Spartans defeated No. 12 North Carolina, 94-91, in their third a

Seth Trimble’s clutch 3-pointer allowed UNC to force overtime against Michigan State before the Spartans pulled away in the extra period to win, 94-91, at the Maui Invitational.

Michigan State basketball went into the third place game of the Maui Invitational against No. 12 North Carolina without arguably their best player, Jase Richardson, but the Spartans still found a way to win in an overtime thriller. The Spartans defeated North Carolina, 94-91, overcoming their own choke job to win a big time nonconference game.

Tre Holloman and Xavier Booker combined for eight points in overtime and Michigan State held off No. 12 North Carolina 94-91 for third place in the Maui Invitational