MSU likely will take over the No. 1 ranking in the next edition of nationwide polls.

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It did not take long for No. 2 MSU to take the lead against No. 1 Kentucky, and at the end of the first half Tuesday night at the Champions Classic in Chicago, MSU leads 44-32.

MSU opened the game on a 10-0 run thanks to a floater by sophomore guard Gary Harris, and a steal and breakaway dunk by senior guard Keith Appling.

After a powerful slam from junior forward Branden Dawson off sophomore guard Denzel Valentine’s fast break assist, the Wildcats called their first timeout to try and regroup.

Although they would score their first points on a James Young 3-pointer, the experienced MSU team outplayed Kentucky for much of the first half.

Sophomore guard Gary Harris led MSU with 13 points, and showed off his defense with a pair of steals as well. The Spartans finished the half with 7 steals.

Kentucky’s lack of experience showed throughout the half and weren’t able to capitalize on shots around the basket.

Kentucky shot 41 percent (11-27) from field-goal range, which included 36 percent (4-11) from 3-point range.

Senior guard Adreian Payne also helped give MSU the first half lead with 12 points, including a stretch late in the half where he scored 10 straight points for MSU.

Young led Kentucky with 13 points, including three 3-pointers.

MSU had five turnovers compared to Kentucky’s nine.

Editor’s note: this story has been changed to reflect the correct ranking for MSU