In a thrilling Thanksgiving Day matchup, the No. 3 ranked Arizona Wildcats secured a hard-fought 74-68 victory over the No. 21 Michigan State Spartans at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, California. The Wildcats maintained their undefeated record of 6-0, showcasing their ability to start the season on a strong note.

The Wildcats dominated the first half, shooting an impressive 51.6% from the field to build an early lead of up to 15 points. However, the Spartans fought back relentlessly in the second half, giving Arizona a run for their money.

Michigan State coach Tom Izzo expressed his frustration, stating, "The game wasn't lost at the end, it was lost at the beginning." He acknowledged Arizona's strong start and credited their ability to maintain composure throughout the game. On the other hand, UA coach Tommy Lloyd commended his team's efforts and resilience, stating, "Awesome effort by our guys in an awesome environment."

The Wildcats relied heavily on their veteran transfers, Keshad Johnson and Caleb Love, to secure the win in the second half. Jaden Bradley, a sophomore transfer, hit a crucial 17-footer with 1:23 left on the clock, extending UA's lead to 71-66. Johnson and Love showcased defensive heroics, clinching vital stops and rebounds for Arizona.

With a mere 24 seconds remaining in the game and Arizona leading 72-68, Johnson blocked a driving layup by Michigan State's Tyson Walker. Love then snatched the ball from Tre Holloman and swiftly passed it to freshman guard KJ Lewis, who sealed the victory with a thunderous dunk eight seconds before the final buzzer.

Acrisure Arena witnessed an electrifying match, with an estimated nationwide audience of 2.9 million viewers. The venue, hosting its first-ever college basketball event, boasted an enthusiastic crowd of 9,112, filling approximately three-quarters of the 10,815 seats.

Keshad Johnson was recognized as the Acrisure Classic MVP with 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Caleb Love contributed 16 points. Additionally, three other Wildcats scored in double figures, showcasing Arizona's depth and balanced team effort.

Michigan State put up a fierce fight in the second half, narrowing the gap and challenging Arizona's lead. The Spartans initiated a 9-2 run, predominantly through inside shots, cutting UA's lead to three points. However, Love's clutch dunk halted their momentum and kept the Wildcats in control.

The game intensified during the final minutes, as Michigan State briefly seized the lead at 64-63. Nevertheless, Johnson and Love responded with crucial baskets to put Arizona back on top. Johnson's two free throws, along with Bradley's impressive 17-footer, helped the Wildcats regain control and secure the win.

The Arizona guards played vital roles throughout the game. Kylan Boswell impressed in the first half, scoring 12 points, while Love showcased his offensive prowess with 16 points. Jaden Bradley, known for his defensive skills, notably limited the impact of Michigan State's Walker.

Arizona's dominance in the first half, holding the Spartans to just 30 points, set the stage for their eventual triumph. Michigan State's second-half resurgence, limiting the Wildcats to 39.3% shooting, created a highly competitive second half.

Ultimately, the Wildcats showcased their resilience and ability to weather storms to come out on top. As Tom Izzo acknowledged, "Don't take anything away from Arizona. They were good. Really good."

With this victory, Arizona extends their undefeated record into December and continues to establish themselves as a formidable force in college basketball.

(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)