Michigan State basketball could be headed back outside in Southern California.
The Spartans and Gonzaga are in “advanced discussions” to play a game on an aircraft carrier in San Diego on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, according to a report Tuesday from Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports.
The unique setting would be the second for Michigan State, which lost 67-55 to North Carolina on Nov. 11, 2011 in the Carrier Classic on the flight deck of the USS Carl Vinson. Then-President Barack Obama was among the 8,111 in attendance for the game.
Although there are logistical issues that need to be resolved due to the military, both Michigan State and Gonzaga are optimistic the game will be scheduled, according to Rothstein, who reported there’s no timeframe for an official announcement.
Michigan State will also face Kentucky in the Champions Classic on Nov. 15 in Indianapolis and play in the Phil Knight Invitational in Portland, Ore., from Nov. 24-27. Iowa State, North Carolina, Oregon, Alabama, Portland, UConn and Villanova are the other teams in the field.
The Spartans are coming off a 23-13 season and reached the NCAA Tournament for the 24th straight year under coach Tom Izzo. Gonzaga finished 28-4 last season and advanced to the Sweet 16 for the seventh straight year while in its 23rd consecutive tournament appearance under coach Mark Few.
Michigan State owns a 4-1 all-time record against Gonzaga. The Spartans won 74-67 in the last matchup in 2011.
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