Kansas vs. Michigan State: 5 biggest questions for the Champions Classic battle

Kansas vs. Michigan State: 5 biggest questions for 2018 Champions Classic battle

DETROIT, MI - MARCH 18: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans looks on against the Syracuse Orange in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Little Caesars Arena on March 18, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

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WICHITA, KS – MARCH 17: Udoka Azubuike #35 of the Kansas Jayhawks reacts after being called for a foul against the Seton Hall Pirates in the second half during the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at INTRUST Bank Arena on March 17, 2018 in Wichita, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

2. Who needs to win the battle down low?

Two of the best post players in the country will be going against each other in Michigan State’s Nick Ward and Kansas Azubuike. Both players have great averages per 40 minutes and for the most part needs to be double-teamed due to their large size and frame. To some degree, both coaches will be glad to have this matchup, rather than dealing with a stretch forward who can utilize a deadly pick and roll against them.

Due to minute limitations, there’s probably going to be about 15 minutes of Azubuike and Ward going head-to-head. They could be crucial, considering that both teams are likely going to shoot a lot of three-pointers in this game. Both teams will be looking to get easy baskets throughout the game in order to get an edge, as well as creating foul trouble for the opponents.

As far as who “needs” to win the battle, I’d go with Azubuike despite having the ball surrounding talent. Ward has a veteran backcourt that’s equipped to handle this opener. The freshmen guards for Kansas could use some good frontcourt production to take the pressure off them or they may stumble early. If Azubuike gets things going early and opens things up for the others, the Spartans are in trouble.

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