Michigan State Basketball Falls to UConn in Sweet 16 Nail-Biter

Mo. Basuony

Published: March 28, 2026 5:07 AM ET

Michigan State Basketball Falls to UConn in Sweet 16 Nail-Biter

Michigan State basketball fell short against UConn in a Sweet 16 nail-biter on Friday, March 27, in Washington. UConn won 67-63 after Tarris Reed Jr. hit four late free throws.

Game recap

The Huskies built a 19-point lead in the first half. Michigan State began 2-for-16 and went 8:46 between field goals.

MSU chipped away and trailed 35-27 at halftime. They rallied to take a 45-44 lead with 10:06 remaining.

The teams traded baskets in the closing minutes. Reed’s free throws in the final minute, including two with four seconds left, sealed the win.

Key performers

Tarris Reed Jr. finished with 20 points, five rebounds and four assists. Alex Karaban added 17 and hit three of UConn’s nine 3-pointers.

Carson Cooper — 14 points, seven rebounds in his final game for MSU.
Jaxon Kohler — 12 points and eight boards, also a senior.
Jeremy Fears Jr. — 13 points, seven assists, five-for-15 shooting and four turnovers.
Coen Carr — 13 points for the Spartans.
Solo Ball — 12 points for UConn off the bench.

Momentum swings

UConn hit six of its first seven 3-pointers and shot 56 percent early. The Huskies did not make another 3-pointer after the first 10:37.

Aftermath and outlook

The Spartans finish the season 27-8. UConn improved to 32-5 and advances to the Elite Eight to face No. 1 Duke on Sunday at 5:05 p.m. on CBS.

Tom Izzo is now 11-6 in Sweet 16 appearances and 61-27 all-time in the NCAA Tournament. Michigan State extended its streak of NCAA berths to 28 straight under Izzo.

MSU loses senior starters Cooper and Kohler, who combined for a 57-15 record over their final two seasons. Trey Fort, Denham Wojcik and Nick Sanders also depart via graduation.

Incoming recruits ranked No. 2 in the 247Sports composite include Ethan Taylor, Jasiah Jervis, Carlos Medlock Jr., and Julius Avent. Kaleb Glenn is expected back in summer 2025 from a knee injury.

Tom Izzo led a Sweet 16 practice in Washington ahead of the game. For further coverage and analysis, visit Filmogaz.com.