Michigan State's Trey Fort delivers clutch performance in NCAA Tournament win

Senior guard sparks Spartans' comeback victory over Louisville

Mar. 22, 2026 at 9:06am

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Michigan State basketball senior Trey Fort made a huge impact off the bench, scoring 12 points and hitting three critical 3-pointers to help the Spartans rally past Louisville 77-69 and advance to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. Fort, who had fallen out of the regular rotation earlier in the season, provided a much-needed spark with his tenacious defense, rebounding, and timely shooting.

Why it matters

Fort's breakout performance in the tournament is a testament to his perseverance and the coaching staff's ability to keep him engaged. His redemptive arc is quickly becoming a March Madness story for the ages, as Michigan State continues its quest for a deep tournament run.

The details

After playing just 17 minutes total in MSU's final five regular-season games, Fort is averaging 14.7 minutes and nine points in three Big Ten and NCAA tournament games. He's also shooting 50% on 10 tries from 3-point range against UCLA, North Dakota State, and Louisville. Fort's effort and production off the bench have been crucial in helping the Spartans advance to the Sweet 16.

  • On March 21, 2026, Fort scored 12 points and hit three 3-pointers to lead Michigan State to a 77-69 win over Louisville in the NCAA Tournament.
  • Two days earlier, on March 19, Fort provided a boost off the bench in Michigan State's first-round win over North Dakota State.

The players

Trey Fort

A sixth-year senior guard for Michigan State who began the season as a starter before losing minutes and falling out of the regular rotation, but has since regained his form and become a key contributor off the bench in the NCAA Tournament.

Tom Izzo

The head coach of the Michigan State basketball team, who has credited Fort's improved defense and effort for his recent resurgence.

Doug Wojcik

An assistant coach for Michigan State who has also worked closely with Fort to help him regain his confidence and playing time.

Carson Cooper

A senior forward for Michigan State who combined with fellow senior Jaxon Kohler to score 19 points and grab 11 rebounds in the win over Louisville.

Jaxon Kohler

A senior forward for Michigan State who scored 10 points, including a key 3-pointer late in the game to help the Spartans pull away from Louisville.

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What they’re saying

“Effort is what matters, and that's what I'm leaning on right now, man. Having effort, bringing a spark to the team and helping us in any way I can.”

— Trey Fort, Michigan State senior guard

“I'm appreciative of being able to push guys, being able to challenge guys, and then watch them come through. Hey, [Fort] gets a big hug and a kiss when I'm done. He had to be disappointed. He'd come here thinking he was gonna – I mean, he was starting early. That's hard, not everybody can do that. So credit to him, his family, credit to my players and my assistant coach who just keeps beating me up.”

— Tom Izzo, Michigan State head coach

What’s next

The Spartans will face the winner of the game between 2-seed UCLA and 10-seed UNC Asheville in the Sweet 16 on Thursday, March 27.

The takeaway

Trey Fort's inspiring performance off the bench is a testament to his perseverance and the coaching staff's ability to keep him engaged. His redemptive arc is quickly becoming a March Madness story for the ages, as Michigan State continues its quest for a deep tournament run.