It was all Michigan State early and it was all Michigan State late, too, as the No. 17 Spartans dominated No. 12 Kentucky in a statement win to open up this year's Champions Classic doubleheader. The Spartans led for the final 33 minutes of game action and at one point owned an advantage by as many as 24 points before pulling off the gas late.

A pair of double-digit victories unfolded very differently. Here's what we're taking away from Tuesday's games.

Michigan State looked dominant in its win over Kentucky, while Duke was able to outlast Kansas with Darryn Peterson sidelined due to injury.

Follow along live as No. 17 Michigan State and No. 12 face off in the Champions Classic from inside of Madison Square Garden

The Wildcats laid another egg in a big game while letting the Spartans do whatever they wanted at Madison Square Garden.

Will Mark Pope's Kentucky Wildcats basketball team beat Tom Izzo's Michigan State Spartans today in the Champions Classic at Madison Square Garden?

The Champions Classic continues to showcase top college basketball programs. On Tuesday night, No. 17 Michigan State faces No. 12 Kentucky, and No. 5 Duke takes on No. 24 Kansas at Madison Square Garden.

On Tuesday night, No. 17 Michigan State cruised to a surprisingly easy 83-66 victory over No. 12 Kentucky in the Champions Classic at Madison Square Garden.