Spartans Confirm Epic Gonzaga Face-Off in Palm Springs
Michigan State has officially announced a non-conference battle against Gonzaga on Dec. 19 in Palm Springs as part of the Acrisure Classic. The Spartans already boast high-profile neutral-site matchups this season, including DUKE in Chicago and ARKANSAS in Detroit, plus road contests at Tennessee and exhibition outings at Marquette and UConn. Meanwhile, Gonzaga faces a late offseason setback as starting point guard Mario Saint-Supery unexpectedly signed with Valencia in EuroLeague, leaving Coach Mark Few to lean on newcomers Nathan de Sousa or transfer Isiah Harwell. The December clash will mark the seventh meeting between the two NCAA Tournament-streak powerhouses, with MSU holding a 4–2 advantage in the series.
Finally, the Spartans can tick “beat Gonzaga” off their bucket list—right after “Say hello to Tom Izzo” and “Pretend to know what Acrisure means.” MSU’s nonconference itinerary reads like a villain’s to-do list for world domination: conquer Chicago, decimate Detroit, then slide into Palm Springs like the stealthy baddie who shows up late to the party—point guard courtesy of Spain. And poor Gonzaga, forced to dumpster-dive their roster after learning Mario Saint-Supery decided pro money beats college pizza money. Fans, start practicing your panic faces now: “What do you mean no point guard?!” Meanwhile, expect Jaxon Kohler’s revenge tour highlights as he blocks everything in sight. Who needs stability when you have hustle, grit, and a coaching legend armed with matching jumpers? Welcome to midseason mayhem, Spartans style.
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