Tuesday night's Champions Classic opener saw No. 4

Michigan State defeat No. 4 Kentucky in a nail-biting double-overtime contest

living up to the expectations and then some. 

 Despite trailing for more than 33 minutes of the game and 

needing two game-winning shots to force overtime, 

the Spartans overcame the Wildcats 86-77.

Kentucky had an early lead and appeared to be in control of the game

but in a sign of things to come, Sparty fought its way into the lead before halftime.