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Winners of seven of their last nine, Michigan State is continuing to showcase why they are known as one of those programs that always tend to peak in March as their unflashy style of play lends itself very well to the rigors of the pressure cooker of postseason basketball.
Michigan State’s defense is the foundation of the team, which is typical for Tom Izzo’s best teams. Overall, the Spartans are a physical, and disciplined unit that thrives in the half court. Rather than forcing turnovers, they focus on strong point-of-attack defense, limiting paint penetration, and rotating effectively to contest shots. They also rebound with the highest defensive rebounding rate in the nation, which helps them finish defensive possessions and control tempo. Overall, it’s a grind-it-out style that forces opponents into tough, late-clock shots and consistently keeps scoring down while also doing a good job not giving up a ton of fouls. Four of Michigan State’s starters have 3.0%+ block rates, so this group is excellent at protecting the rim.
Michigan State’s offense this year a pass-first system that relies on playmaking more than shooting. Led by Jeremy Fears Jr., they move the ball well and generate good looks through assists, cuts, and ball screens, especially in transition. However, inconsistent perimeter shooting volume affects their spacing, especially in their lineups with just three perimeter shooters, allowing defenses to clog the paint and making the offense feel stagnant at times. Overall, it’s a functional but not elite unit, with a high-ceiling when execution is sharp, but prone to inconsistency when shots aren’t falling, especially when Fears Jr. or Carr are stuck in cold spells from the perimeter.
Some view Jeremy Fears Jr. as the most complete two-way point guard in college basketball because he impacts the game at a high level on both ends without needing to score heavily. Offensively, he controls tempo, creates for others, and limits mistakes as a steady primary facilitator in a pass-first system. His three-point shooting is still below average (32.1%), but it’s good enough to keep defenders honest. Defensively, he sets the tone at the point of attack with strong on-ball pressure, toughness, and discipline, helping anchor the defense. He offers a rare level of balance that few guards match. Whenever Fears Jr. is getting a breather, Harvard grad transfer Denham Wojcik subs in as a low-usage backup point guard.
In the preseason, pundits were forecasting the breakout of senior forward Jaxon Kohler, and that has been realized as he is a highly efficient and versatile frontcourt presence who contributes on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he provides scoring, rebounding, and floor spacing, finishing well inside and stretching defenses with his outside shooting. Defensively, he anchors the paint, protects the rim, and secures rebounds, helping maintain Michigan State’s elite defensive identity. While not a primary playmaker, his steady production and two-way impact make him a key piece in stabilizing the team on both offense and defense. EvanMiya.com ranks Kohler as the team’s most efficient defender. Kohler starts at the 4, but also soaks up backup center minutes when Carson Cooper is on the bench.
Human highlight reel Coen Carr is a dynamic two-way big wing who brings athleticism, energy, versatility, and defensive intensity. Offensively, he can create his own shot, attack closeouts, and has increased the volume of his three-point shooting (73 attempts this year compared to 15 last year and 0 his freshman year) even though his 28.8% clip needs major work. Defensively, he excels at on-ball pressure, switching across multiple positions, and generating turnovers, helping the Spartans maintain their high-level perimeter defense. Last year, Carr was forced to play more at the 4, but he’s much more dangerous and versatile this year defensively as the starting 3 and playing more sparingly at the 4 in smaller lineups.
Starting center Carson Cooper is a versatile frontcourt player who contributes on both ends of the floor and ranks slightly below Kohler in terms of leading the team in defensive efficiency. Offensively, Cooper provides efficient scoring around the rim, solid rebounding, and occasional spacing out to the elbow. Defensively, he uses his length and athleticism to guard multiple positions, contest shots, and secure defensive rebounds, helping anchor the Spartans’ interior defense.
The biggest difference about this team compared to when we played them in the preseason is that starting 2-guard Divine Ugochukwu has missed the last twelve games due to a foot injury. On the offensive end, they lost their second best facilitator and best three-point shooter (44.2%), so overall, it has affected their spacing and has made the team even more prone to giving up turnovers (their 17.7 turnover rate ranked 16th worst in the Big Ten).
On the flip side, while Ugochukwu was a good point-of-attack pressure defender, his lack of length affected his overall switchability, and it’s fair to say that Michigan State’s defense, overall, has been better without him. Basically Jeremy Fears has shouldered more of the load in offense – he’s got the #1 assist rate in the nation!) but there’s overall way more size on this team so the defense and two-way rebounding has got even better (top-ten rebounding rates on both sides of the floor).
Freshman big guard Jordan Scott has started every game at the 2-guard since Ugochukwu has gone down with an injury. At 6-foot-8, 200 pounds, Scott has stepped up as a tenacious three-and-D big guard. Offensively, Scott contributes as a secondary playmaker and spot-up shooter, providing floor spacing and smart ball movement within the team’s system even though he is prone to giving up turnovers (three 3+ turnover games over the last five games). Defensively, he excels at on-ball pressure, disrupting passing lanes, and guarding multiple perimeter positions, helping maintain the Spartans’ elite defensive identity. Although Scott starts at the 2, about half of his minutes are at the 3 when either Kur Teng or Trey Fort are at the 2.
Sophomore Kur Teng leads Michigan State in bench minutes and he boasts the team’s highest shot rate on the team and is second in three-pointers made, just one behind Kohler. Although Teng is athletic and owns slashing ability, his lack of strength makes it hard for him to convert inside the arc (37 2P% in Big Ten play), but he’s developed into arguably the team’s second best playmaker and facilitator with Ugochukwu out. Defensively, Teng is inconsistent. While he has the tools to guard multiple positions, he can struggle with on-ball positioning and rotations, making him less reliable than other Spartans defenders.
In similar fashion, grad transfer Trey Fort is an even more extreme version of Teng. An awful defender, and terrible inside the arc (25 2P% in Big Ten play), Fort is one of the team’s more fearless floor-spacers and he’s been hot the last three games (6-10 from three).
Backing up at the power forward position is freshman Cam Ward, a guy I’d best describe as a “know-your-role” guy who has got a nice floor already as an energy forward and matchup piece off the bench who owns long-term potential thanks to his athleticism, movement without the ball and, one day, ability to stretch his spot-up shooting from the where it is at the elbow to the three-point line. Offensively, he thrives by attacking gaps, finishing around the rim, and playing off others, while continuing to improve his shot selection and spot-up reliability. This season, his biggest growth has been in control and decision-making, making him a more dependable option in the rotation and he’s endeared himself to Izzo as an elite two-way rebounder. He’s often used in flexible frontcourt pairings with Carson Cooper or Jaxon Kohler. With Cooper, he adds speed and transition play next to a more traditional big, but in these matchups, especially with Carr at the 3, the spacing is greatly affected in a negative way. With Kohler, Ward brings athleticism and defensive range that complement Kohler’s scoring and spacing. Defensively, he’s still developing consistency, but his length and energy allow him to guard multiple positions and fit into different lineup combinations and he had arguably his best game of 2026 in their first round matchup against NDSU, when he was a perfect 6-for-6 from the field.
When we first played Michigan State in October, UConn was +4 in the rebounding margin and held Michigan State to under 40% FG% and under 30% 3PT%, a strong performance worth adding mojo to UConn’s confidence, but this is one of Tom Izzo’s younger Spartans teams in a while (half the rotation is underclassmen and their starting backcourt is underclassmen), so it makes sense why this team is more highly regarded now than back in October.
Most prognosticators view this game as a coin flip and it’s easy to see why: both teams rank within the top-13 in defensive efficiency, both are excellent rebounding squads and both teams are inconsistent from the three point line and are prone to turnovers. Turnovers have been a bugaboo of late, but while Michigan State has an excellent defense, they their turnover forced rate ranked just 14th in the Big Ten, which points to the fact that they allow for more airspace than what UConn might be used to. To add to that, Michigan State’s 56.2 A/FGM ratio ranked tenth worst in the Big Ten, which hints that we can still run our stuff against the Spartans, just don’t expect many clean shots on jumpers with their length and disciplined ability to force tough shots.
Like last game, Karaban’s got a clear advantage on both ends of the floor: an elite mover without the ball in his hands, Kohler and Ward are much better applying their strength against rim-front and slashing power forwards, so Karaban’s ability to score everywhere on the halfcourt can help neutralize Michigan State’s defense on that end.
Considering Jayden Ross’ breakout and Michigan State’s size (they’ve got a freakin 6’8 2-guard and Coen Carr as their 3!), look to Ross to continue to play nearly half of the minutes at the 3 spot, which allows for bigger, better rebounding rotations and good contingency if Solo Ball continues to struggle on both ends. I like Malachi Smith’s ability to guard Fears, so I wouldn’ta be afraid of rotations with Smith at the point, Demary/Mullins at the 2 and Ross at the 3, and if Stewart is healthy, I would even like to see wrinkles of Guard/Ross/Stew/Karaban/Center to throw off Michigan State’s prep. With that being said, when Jordan Scott is not playing the 2, Michigan State has a defensive weakness with Teng/Fort at that spot, so that would be a prime opportunity for Ball to get more open looks at the perimeter to help regain his mojo.
Bottom line, it’s going to be a tough battle on both ends, especially under the boards. One clear advantage for UConn is that we don’t have a Jeremy Fears, AKA that one guard that needs to be counted on to stir the straw on offense. He’s the team’s only legit point guard and their drop off in terms of handlings/facilitating is major when Fears isn’t able to do his thing (I see you Silas/Malachi!). On the flip, UConn is much more unpredictable on offense with the sets and actions they run.
Let’s go Huskies!
Michigan State’s defense is the foundation of the team, which is typical for Tom Izzo’s best teams. Overall, the Spartans are a physical, and disciplined unit that thrives in the half court. Rather than forcing turnovers, they focus on strong point-of-attack defense, limiting paint penetration, and rotating effectively to contest shots. They also rebound with the highest defensive rebounding rate in the nation, which helps them finish defensive possessions and control tempo. Overall, it’s a grind-it-out style that forces opponents into tough, late-clock shots and consistently keeps scoring down while also doing a good job not giving up a ton of fouls. Four of Michigan State’s starters have 3.0%+ block rates, so this group is excellent at protecting the rim.
Michigan State’s offense this year a pass-first system that relies on playmaking more than shooting. Led by Jeremy Fears Jr., they move the ball well and generate good looks through assists, cuts, and ball screens, especially in transition. However, inconsistent perimeter shooting volume affects their spacing, especially in their lineups with just three perimeter shooters, allowing defenses to clog the paint and making the offense feel stagnant at times. Overall, it’s a functional but not elite unit, with a high-ceiling when execution is sharp, but prone to inconsistency when shots aren’t falling, especially when Fears Jr. or Carr are stuck in cold spells from the perimeter.
Some view Jeremy Fears Jr. as the most complete two-way point guard in college basketball because he impacts the game at a high level on both ends without needing to score heavily. Offensively, he controls tempo, creates for others, and limits mistakes as a steady primary facilitator in a pass-first system. His three-point shooting is still below average (32.1%), but it’s good enough to keep defenders honest. Defensively, he sets the tone at the point of attack with strong on-ball pressure, toughness, and discipline, helping anchor the defense. He offers a rare level of balance that few guards match. Whenever Fears Jr. is getting a breather, Harvard grad transfer Denham Wojcik subs in as a low-usage backup point guard.
In the preseason, pundits were forecasting the breakout of senior forward Jaxon Kohler, and that has been realized as he is a highly efficient and versatile frontcourt presence who contributes on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he provides scoring, rebounding, and floor spacing, finishing well inside and stretching defenses with his outside shooting. Defensively, he anchors the paint, protects the rim, and secures rebounds, helping maintain Michigan State’s elite defensive identity. While not a primary playmaker, his steady production and two-way impact make him a key piece in stabilizing the team on both offense and defense. EvanMiya.com ranks Kohler as the team’s most efficient defender. Kohler starts at the 4, but also soaks up backup center minutes when Carson Cooper is on the bench.
Human highlight reel Coen Carr is a dynamic two-way big wing who brings athleticism, energy, versatility, and defensive intensity. Offensively, he can create his own shot, attack closeouts, and has increased the volume of his three-point shooting (73 attempts this year compared to 15 last year and 0 his freshman year) even though his 28.8% clip needs major work. Defensively, he excels at on-ball pressure, switching across multiple positions, and generating turnovers, helping the Spartans maintain their high-level perimeter defense. Last year, Carr was forced to play more at the 4, but he’s much more dangerous and versatile this year defensively as the starting 3 and playing more sparingly at the 4 in smaller lineups.
Starting center Carson Cooper is a versatile frontcourt player who contributes on both ends of the floor and ranks slightly below Kohler in terms of leading the team in defensive efficiency. Offensively, Cooper provides efficient scoring around the rim, solid rebounding, and occasional spacing out to the elbow. Defensively, he uses his length and athleticism to guard multiple positions, contest shots, and secure defensive rebounds, helping anchor the Spartans’ interior defense.
The biggest difference about this team compared to when we played them in the preseason is that starting 2-guard Divine Ugochukwu has missed the last twelve games due to a foot injury. On the offensive end, they lost their second best facilitator and best three-point shooter (44.2%), so overall, it has affected their spacing and has made the team even more prone to giving up turnovers (their 17.7 turnover rate ranked 16th worst in the Big Ten).
On the flip side, while Ugochukwu was a good point-of-attack pressure defender, his lack of length affected his overall switchability, and it’s fair to say that Michigan State’s defense, overall, has been better without him. Basically Jeremy Fears has shouldered more of the load in offense – he’s got the #1 assist rate in the nation!) but there’s overall way more size on this team so the defense and two-way rebounding has got even better (top-ten rebounding rates on both sides of the floor).
Freshman big guard Jordan Scott has started every game at the 2-guard since Ugochukwu has gone down with an injury. At 6-foot-8, 200 pounds, Scott has stepped up as a tenacious three-and-D big guard. Offensively, Scott contributes as a secondary playmaker and spot-up shooter, providing floor spacing and smart ball movement within the team’s system even though he is prone to giving up turnovers (three 3+ turnover games over the last five games). Defensively, he excels at on-ball pressure, disrupting passing lanes, and guarding multiple perimeter positions, helping maintain the Spartans’ elite defensive identity. Although Scott starts at the 2, about half of his minutes are at the 3 when either Kur Teng or Trey Fort are at the 2.
Sophomore Kur Teng leads Michigan State in bench minutes and he boasts the team’s highest shot rate on the team and is second in three-pointers made, just one behind Kohler. Although Teng is athletic and owns slashing ability, his lack of strength makes it hard for him to convert inside the arc (37 2P% in Big Ten play), but he’s developed into arguably the team’s second best playmaker and facilitator with Ugochukwu out. Defensively, Teng is inconsistent. While he has the tools to guard multiple positions, he can struggle with on-ball positioning and rotations, making him less reliable than other Spartans defenders.
In similar fashion, grad transfer Trey Fort is an even more extreme version of Teng. An awful defender, and terrible inside the arc (25 2P% in Big Ten play), Fort is one of the team’s more fearless floor-spacers and he’s been hot the last three games (6-10 from three).
Backing up at the power forward position is freshman Cam Ward, a guy I’d best describe as a “know-your-role” guy who has got a nice floor already as an energy forward and matchup piece off the bench who owns long-term potential thanks to his athleticism, movement without the ball and, one day, ability to stretch his spot-up shooting from the where it is at the elbow to the three-point line. Offensively, he thrives by attacking gaps, finishing around the rim, and playing off others, while continuing to improve his shot selection and spot-up reliability. This season, his biggest growth has been in control and decision-making, making him a more dependable option in the rotation and he’s endeared himself to Izzo as an elite two-way rebounder. He’s often used in flexible frontcourt pairings with Carson Cooper or Jaxon Kohler. With Cooper, he adds speed and transition play next to a more traditional big, but in these matchups, especially with Carr at the 3, the spacing is greatly affected in a negative way. With Kohler, Ward brings athleticism and defensive range that complement Kohler’s scoring and spacing. Defensively, he’s still developing consistency, but his length and energy allow him to guard multiple positions and fit into different lineup combinations and he had arguably his best game of 2026 in their first round matchup against NDSU, when he was a perfect 6-for-6 from the field.
When we first played Michigan State in October, UConn was +4 in the rebounding margin and held Michigan State to under 40% FG% and under 30% 3PT%, a strong performance worth adding mojo to UConn’s confidence, but this is one of Tom Izzo’s younger Spartans teams in a while (half the rotation is underclassmen and their starting backcourt is underclassmen), so it makes sense why this team is more highly regarded now than back in October.
Most prognosticators view this game as a coin flip and it’s easy to see why: both teams rank within the top-13 in defensive efficiency, both are excellent rebounding squads and both teams are inconsistent from the three point line and are prone to turnovers. Turnovers have been a bugaboo of late, but while Michigan State has an excellent defense, they their turnover forced rate ranked just 14th in the Big Ten, which points to the fact that they allow for more airspace than what UConn might be used to. To add to that, Michigan State’s 56.2 A/FGM ratio ranked tenth worst in the Big Ten, which hints that we can still run our stuff against the Spartans, just don’t expect many clean shots on jumpers with their length and disciplined ability to force tough shots.
Like last game, Karaban’s got a clear advantage on both ends of the floor: an elite mover without the ball in his hands, Kohler and Ward are much better applying their strength against rim-front and slashing power forwards, so Karaban’s ability to score everywhere on the halfcourt can help neutralize Michigan State’s defense on that end.
Considering Jayden Ross’ breakout and Michigan State’s size (they’ve got a freakin 6’8 2-guard and Coen Carr as their 3!), look to Ross to continue to play nearly half of the minutes at the 3 spot, which allows for bigger, better rebounding rotations and good contingency if Solo Ball continues to struggle on both ends. I like Malachi Smith’s ability to guard Fears, so I wouldn’ta be afraid of rotations with Smith at the point, Demary/Mullins at the 2 and Ross at the 3, and if Stewart is healthy, I would even like to see wrinkles of Guard/Ross/Stew/Karaban/Center to throw off Michigan State’s prep. With that being said, when Jordan Scott is not playing the 2, Michigan State has a defensive weakness with Teng/Fort at that spot, so that would be a prime opportunity for Ball to get more open looks at the perimeter to help regain his mojo.
Bottom line, it’s going to be a tough battle on both ends, especially under the boards. One clear advantage for UConn is that we don’t have a Jeremy Fears, AKA that one guard that needs to be counted on to stir the straw on offense. He’s the team’s only legit point guard and their drop off in terms of handlings/facilitating is major when Fears isn’t able to do his thing (I see you Silas/Malachi!). On the flip, UConn is much more unpredictable on offense with the sets and actions they run.
Let’s go Huskies!
