11 Days to B1G Basketball: Michigan State and Georgia Raise $339k for Hurricane Relief

Michigan State and Georgia met yesterday for a charity exhibition game in Grand Rapids, with the proceeds from their outing set to go towards hurricane relief. The charity event came together quick and both programs weren’t sure how many fans would attend, but the two teams ended up selling out Van Andel Arena and bringing in 10,669 fans.

The two ticket sales raised for yesterday’s game will go to aid hurricane relief efforts in Georgia and the Bahamas. While it’s being reported that $339,448 was raised at the event, that number only counts ticket sales. Fans were asked to make additional donations at the arena, with the total amount of money raised likely set to increase when everything is set and done.

As for the actual game, the Spartans ended up knocking off Georgia 80-68. Standout Miles Bridges led the Spartans in scoring with 21 points while also adding 10 rebounds for a double-double.

Also reaching double figures were Nick Ward (13) and Joshua Langford (11). The Spartans only shot 30% from the perimeter, but hit 50% of their field goals. They did commit 14 turnovers, but also managed to force 16 Georgia turnovers. While sometimes looking sloppy, Michigan State took care of business and looked better than they did last time out when they faced Ferris State.

Georgia managed to trim the Spartans lead in the second half to seven, but a 21-10 run by Michigan State opened things up and let the Spartans put the game out of reach. The two teams had went back and forth in the first half, with six ties and five lead changes early on. Michigan State closed the first half on a 11-0 run to take a nine point lead into the break and held off a Georgia surge to start the second half.

Michigan State will have their final exhibition game on the 3rd against Hillsdale. The Spartans will then open their season against North Florida on the 10th before facing Duke on the 14th in Chicago.