LAHAINA, Hawaii (AP) — Kemba Walker scored 30 points and hit a key jumper with less than a minute left, helping Connecticut outlast No. 2 Michigan State 70-67 in a physical Maui Invitational semifinal on Tuesday.
Connecticut (4-0) fought the Spartans for every inch every minute, refusing to be pushed around by a team projected to be a national title contender. The Huskies made it interesting by missing five late free throws, but survived Draymond Green’s midcourt heave at the buzzer.
Walker hit a fallaway jumper with 52 seconds left and Alex Oriakhi dominated inside for 15 points and 17 rebounds, sending UConn into the championship game against No. 8 Kentucky or No. 13 Washington.
Michigan State (3-1) had three chances to tie in the final 20 seconds, but Green missed two free throws, Kalin Lucas threw a pass to no one and Green was just short on his desperation shot.
