Michigan State basketball went into the third place game of the Maui Invitational against No. 12 North Carolina without arguably their best player, Jase Richardson, but the Spartans still found a way to win in an overtime thriller.
The Spartans defeated North Carolina, 94-91, overcoming their own choke job to win a big time nonconference game.
Michigan State led 80-73 with just under 90 seconds to go, but closed the game terribly, resulting in an 82-82 game heading to overtime.
In overtime, the Spartans found a way to win the game, even with Jaden Akins fouling out of the game.
A big part of this game was the coming out party of Xavier Booker, who played 25 minutes, and every minute in overtime, en route to a 12 point, 7 rebound performance.
While the Spartans had six in double figures, Tre Holloman led the way with 19 points, meanwhile, Frankie Fidler had by far his best game of the year, scoring 13 points on 5/6 shooting.
Michigan State will leave Maui in third place with a 2-1 record in the tournament.
The Spartans will be back in action next Wednesday when they open up Big Ten play against Minnesota in Minneapolis.
This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Michigan State basketball wins OT thriller over No. 12 North Carolina
