The first college basketball game played aboard an aircraft carrier in a decade began in fine fashion in San Diego, with Michigan State leading No. 2 Gonzaga 38-31. With temperatures in the low to mid-60s and clear skies aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, the weather cooperated well in the first 20 minutes of the 2022 Armed Forces Classic – Carrier Edition played on Veterans Day.
Maddy Sissoko paced the Spartans with 10 points and seven rebounds. After averaging 4.5 minutes per game last season, the junior big man stepped into a starting role and had both Gonzaga star Drew Timm and reserve center Efton Reed in foul trouble in the first half.
Offensive rhythm was another story as both teams struggled with outside shooting in an unfamiliar setting, hitting just 5 of 20 attempts from 3-point range. But the Spartans closed out the half shooting 50% from the floor and grabbed their biggest lead yet when Trey Holloman banked in a layup off Tyson Walker’s transition assist at the buzzer.
Keep it locked here for live updates, analysis and highlights throughout the evening as the Jacks and Spartans square off aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln.
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