No. 2 UCLA Routs No. 13 Michigan State Women's Basketball

Spartans shown more progress needed after lopsided loss to one of nation's best teams

Feb. 12, 2026 at 12:47am

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The Michigan State women's basketball team was thoroughly outplayed by No. 2 UCLA, losing 86-63 on Wednesday night. The Spartans struggled offensively, shooting just 22.9% in the first half as the Bruins built a commanding 44-20 halftime lead. Michigan State is still in position to host an NCAA Tournament game, but the loss highlighted the work the team has left to do to reach the top tier of women's college basketball.

Why it matters

The lopsided defeat to a top-ranked opponent shows the Spartans have more progress to make before they can compete with the nation's elite teams. Despite being ranked 13th, Michigan State was no match for UCLA's physicality and offensive firepower, raising questions about the team's readiness to make a deep NCAA Tournament run.

The details

Michigan State started the game just 3-for-14 from the field as UCLA scored on its first six possessions to build an early 23-9 lead. The Bruins' dominance continued in the second quarter, at one point leading by more than 20 points. The Spartans' defense settled in somewhat, but they still trailed 44-20 at halftime after shooting just 8-for-35 in the first half. Michigan State showed some improvement in the second half, but the large deficit was too much to overcome.

  • The game took place on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
  • Michigan State next travels to face No. 7 Michigan on Sunday, February 16, 2026 (4 p.m. ET, FS1).
  • The Spartans conclude their regular season on March 1, 2026 with a home game against No. 8 Ohio State.

The players

UCLA

The No. 2 ranked women's basketball team that thoroughly outplayed Michigan State.

Emma Shumate

A Michigan State player who shot a three-pointer during the game.

Lauren Betts

A 6-foot-7 UCLA player who dominated the Spartans down low.

Kennedy Blair

A Michigan State player who hit a three-pointer and got tangled with a UCLA defender.

Rashunda Jones

A Michigan State player who hit a three-pointer but left the game with an apparent back injury.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the gap between Michigan State and the nation's elite women's basketball programs, showing the Spartans have more progress to make before they can compete with the top teams in the country.