Kentucky MBB Takes Down #1 Michigan State Thanks To Freshman Phenom, Tyrese Maxey

This season, for the first time since 1975, the number-one and -two ranked teams opened up the season matchup up against one another. It was the second-ranked Kentucky Wildcats that took the victory, however, 69-62 over the Spartans.

This was certainly a big statement win for the Wildcats, who saw incredible production out of their new freshman phenom, Tyrese Maxey.

The freshman was sensational for the Wildcats, coming off of the bench at a jam-packed Madison Square Garden and putting on a dominant performance. Maxey finished with 26 points and hit a clutch three-pointer with less than a minute remaining to seal the deal for Kentucky.

30 SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2018 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW 

“Honestly, I just trust my training,” Maxey said. “I shot that shot a thousand times.”

Following the game, some questioned Coach John Calipari’s decision to bring the freshman off the bench instead of starting him.

“I wanted him to come in firing,” Calipari mentioned when asked about Maxey’s massive performance off the bench.

“Great intangibles,” Michigan State Coach Tom Izzo said when asked about Maxey. “He’s got a feel. He’s kind of happy-go-lucky but plays hard. He’s got a smile on his face.”

“I recruited Maxey,” Izzo said. “He visited our place. I love Maxey. Great kid. Great family. It’s one of those shots that I don’t know, I think he had to take the shot because the shot clock was almost out. If it was a little earlier, Cal would have killed him. But he made a big-time shot.”

In a big opening game, playing on a Kentucky team largely made up of returning contributors, Maxey certainly made a name for himself. Many since, players and coaches alike, have regarded the joy and passion that he plays the game with and how that ultimately makes him the player that he is.

Kentucky will be hoping to jump up to number one in the polls as they head off to face Eastern Kentucky on Saturday.