UConn beats No. 14 Michigan State in Ollie's debut as coach

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RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, GERMANY Shabazz Napier scored 25 points and UConn beat No. 14 Michigan State 66-62 Friday night in the Armed Forces Classic, Kevin Ollie's first game as the Huskies' head coach.

UConn led most of the way and by as many as 16 points in the first half of the game, which was played in a hanger at the United States' Ramstein Air Base in Germany.

Ollie is taking over the program after the retirement of Jim Calhoun, who coached the Huskies to three national titles in 26 years at UConn. Calhoun served as a radio broadcaster for this game.

Gary Harris scored to pull the Spartans to 62-60, but Denzel Valentine and Keith Appling each missed a shot in the last minute that would have tied the game, forcing Michigan State to foul.

Napier hit four free throws in the final 13 seconds to seal the win.

Appling scored 17 points and Branden Dawson had 15 points and seven rebounds for Michigan State.

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