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After an early lead, Kansas fell behind Michigan State in the first half and trailed the Spartans until the 17:18 mark of the second half. The Jayhawks would build an eight point lead in the second half, but scrappy Sparty wouldn't go away, cutting it to three with 1:37 left. A couple of Jamari Traylor free throws would ice the game and the Jayhawks laid claim to the 2014 Orlando Classic Championship.
For the third time in four games Perry Ellis put up 17 points, this time on 7/15 shooting (0/3 3-pt, 3/7 FT); Ellis has led the Jayhawks in scoring each of the last four games. Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk added 11 more points on 4/10 shooting (3/6 from 3-pt). Frank Mason pulled down 10 rebounds and Ellis added nine boards while Cliff Alexander grabbed eight more. Mason also collected 5 assists.
The Jayhawks outrebounded the Spartans 44 to 36. Outside of Mykhailiuk, KU did not have a good outside shooting game, only going 3/14 from behind the arc as a team. Selden in particular struggled from the floor, shooting 0/10.
Up next for Kansas, the Florida Gators will invade Allen Fieldhouse on Friday, Dec. 5. The game is scheduled for an 8 PM tipoff on ESPN.