Kentucky's ceiling rests on the shoulders of Amari Williams. Duke is talented, but needs more creativity. And Michigan State has work to do.

The 2024 edition of college basketball's first marquee event had poor shooting, questions about No. 1 and more after Kansas' win against Michigan State.

Michigan State basketball had a nightmare night shooting that was too much to overcome in a loss to No. 1 Kansas in the annual Champions Classic.

No. 1 Kansas survived another big early season test and outlasted Michigan State 77-69 in Atlanta in the first of a Champions Classic doubleheader. The 3-0 Jayhawks never quite pulled away in convincing fashion but nonetheless controlled the game throughout before building a comfortable margin and burying the Spartans late.

It’s a privilege, the way Michigan State coach Tom Izzo sees it, for his Spartans to be invited to their 14th straight Champions Classic. MSU will take on No. 1 Kansas in Atlanta, Georgia, on Tuesday night, a rapid acceleration from its pair of warm-up games against mid-major opponents.

Most of the attention entering this game will be aimed toward Duke and its freshmen tandem of Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel. Both are highly skilled players with elite traits that will likely lead to them being first-round picks in the 2025 NBA Draft.

The challenge ramps up Tuesday for Tom Izzo and Michigan State basketball, as the Spartans face No. 1 Kansas in the Champions Classic in Atlanta.

Hunter Dickson led No. 1 Kansas to an impressive win over Michigan State, while Mark Pope aced his first big test as Kentucky's head coach.

Here are three takeaways from the Champions Classic. Dickinson's efficiency carries No. 1 Kansas to victory, gives Bill Self the most wins in the program. Despite a rough shooting