3 Takeaways as Michigan State basketball falls to UConn in the Sweet 16

On Friday night, early into Saturday morning, Michigan State basketball squared off against UConn in a rematch of an early season exhibition. With a ticket to the Elite Eight on the line, the Spartans needed to be flawless.

Unfortunately, while the Spartans won the last 30 minutes of the game, basketball is a 40-minute game. Michigan State fell 67-63 to UConn, after rallying from a 19-point deficit. Here are three takeaways from Washington D.C.

1. Michigan State Basketball Exceeded Expectations

I know, I know. The Spartans entered the season ranked no. 22, and made it to the Sweet 16, so there is a “barely” that can be added in. It is not much comfort for the fanbase when this team gave the crowd reasons to believe.

The effort and the tenacity was there, scrapping back from down a bunch to lead for brief times. Jaxon Kohler, Jeremy Fears Jr., and Carson Cooper all rallied the team after all had lapses in the opening ten minutes.

This team lost two contributors to season-ending injuries, with Kaleb Glenn never getting to suit up for MSU, and Divine Ugochukwu being done for the season after the Minnesota game. That led to Jeremy Fears Jr. being the only major option as the point guard, with brief spells of Denham Wojcik.

The loss of Glenn forced extended Coen Carr time at the three, along with more time for Jordan Scott. As of this writing, both are expected to be wearing green and white next season. Both Carr and Scott will benefit from this extended time in the long term, but it was a gut punch that accounted for Michigan State’s stay in D.C. being only for Friday.

2. Worst Ten Minute Spell at the Worst Time

The Spartans played their worst basketball at the worst time, allowing a 22-2 run in the opening 10 minutes of the game. Against any opponent, that is a tough task, but against the forces of UConn, it is near impossible to come back from. However, Michigan State found a way.

The Spartans won the final ten minutes of the first half 24-10 to cut the deficit to eight at the break. Then, they rallied to lead right around the midway point of the second half. However, it was not enough.

Playing from behind was always a disaster for this team. During their run in the tournament, and during conference play, it was normal to see Michigan State basketball play strong during the middle 20 minutes of competition. Usually, this was the section where the Spartans turned a one-possession game into a 10-to-18 point lead and were able to cruise to victory. However, entering the middle 20 minutes down 19 points was a disaster.

Jaxon Kohler hit a three to give Michigan State the lead, and that was the last gasp on the season. UConn responded, and the Spartans were able to, but a few missed shots and missed assignments on defense ended any hope.

3. Exhaustion Won

The Spartans had the heart, which is what Tom Izzo wanted. This team got punched in the mouth, dragged to the curb, and was left for dead by the Huskies, but they pulled themselves up. However, in the end, they were exhausted. On a few shots, it was clear to see the Spartans were shooting on tired legs.

A pair of missed floaters that would give Michigan State a lead rattled out, and they were the shots the fanbase usually sees Jeremy Fears Jr. make. The Spartans had expended everything they had to try to win. There was not a Coen Carr momentum shifting dunk, there was no defining play. The Spartans simply ran out of gas.

Even if they had rallied, I recall commenting to a fellow media member, “how much would Michigan State have left in the tank for Sunday?,” referring to the East Regional Final against the Duke Blue Devils.

What is next for Michigan State basketball?

The Spartans enter the offseason looking to replace five assured departures. Jaxon Kohler, Carson Cooper, Trey Fort III, Denham Wojcik, and Nick Sanders have all exhausted their eligibility. There will be a chance for the Spartans to get back at the Huskies in 2026-2027, as UConn and Dan Hurley will be heading to the Breslin Center to play an exhibition match this October.