Kansas Defeats Michigan State 77-69 in Champions Classic, Bill Self Becomes Jayhawks’ Winningest Coach
Eric Boggs 
Bill Self became the all-time winningest coach in Kansas basketball history Tuesday night after defeating Michigan State.
The 2024-25 college basketball season began with a marquee showdown as No. 1 Kansas took on Michigan State in the Champions Classic on Tuesday night. The Jayhawks emerged victorious, pulling away late for a 77-69 win and marking a historic achievement for head coach Bill Self, who earned his 591st victory at Kansas, surpassing Phog Allen as the program’s all-time winningest coach.
Kansas was led by standout center Hunter Dickinson, who delivered a commanding performance with 28 points and 12 rebounds, scoring efficiently despite both teams struggling offensively. Dickinson was a reliable force, scoring the first eight points for the Jayhawks and finishing with his 50th career double-double.
The game saw 11 ties and two lead changes, with Michigan State putting up a strong fight. Trailing 30-24 at halftime, the Spartans clawed back to tie the game at 52 with under nine minutes remaining, thanks to a key 3-pointer by Jaxon Kohler. But Kansas responded with a 6-0 run, regaining the lead on free throws by KJ Adams. The Jayhawks maintained a narrow edge and extended it to as much as nine points late in the game, ultimately sealing the win at the free-throw line.
While Kansas struggled from the field, shooting just 34.8%, they managed to out-rebound the Spartans 47-43, with Zeke Mayo and Rylan Griffen stepping up with critical rebounds and double-digit points. Dajuan Harris Jr. was instrumental in facilitating the offense and moved up to third place on Kansas’s all-time assists list.
For Michigan State, Frankie Fidler led with 15 points and eight rebounds, and Kohler added his second-straight double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. However, the Spartans were held back by poor shooting, hitting just 12.5% from beyond the arc and finishing the game at 34.8% overall.
Kansas improved to 3-0 on the season and will face Oakland at home on Saturday, while Michigan State, now 2-1, will look to bounce back against Bowling Green.
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