Michigan State coach Tom Izzo gives instructions during the first half of a game against Detroit Mercy on Friday in East Lansing, Mich. The Spartans won 84-56. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
The Players Era, Maui Invitational, Fort Myers Tip-Off and Battle 4 Atlantis are part of a holiday-week schedule for AP Top 25 college basketball teams.
The Players Era is the headliner with eight ranked teams among its 18-team field. That field includes No. 3 Houston, No. 7 Michigan and No. 8 Alabama.
The Maui Invitational has No. 23 N.C. State in the consolation bracket. The Fort Myers Tip-Off features No. 11 Michigan State and No. 16 North Carolina.
The Battle 4 Atlantis in the Bahamas has No. 24 Vanderbilt.
The Players Era quickly rose to prominence since last year’s launch by guaranteeing at least $1 m

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