No. 10 Michigan State looks to end skid against surging UCLA

Spartans have lost 3 of 4 games, while Bruins have won 7 of last 10

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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No. 10 Michigan State is looking to halt a recent slide when it hosts UCLA on Tuesday night in Big Ten play. The Spartans have lost 3 of their last 4 games, including a 92-71 blowout loss to Wisconsin on Friday. Meanwhile, UCLA has won 7 of its last 10 games and is currently 7th in the Big Ten standings. The Bruins are coming off an 86-56 loss to Michigan on Saturday, but coach Mick Cronin said it was the team's "worst second-half defensive field goal percentage" in his 23-year career.

Why it matters

This matchup features two Big Ten teams heading in opposite directions. Michigan State is trying to regain its footing after a rough stretch, while UCLA is looking to build on its recent success and potentially move up the conference standings. The outcome could have implications for both teams' postseason hopes.

The details

Michigan State has struggled over its past 5 games, including an overtime win at Rutgers and a loss at Minnesota. The Spartans did pick up an impressive home overtime win against then-No. 5 Illinois, but then were blown out by Wisconsin. UCLA has won 7 of its last 10 games, but was routed by Michigan in its most recent outing. Spartans coach Tom Izzo said his team's "margin for error is not high", while Bruins coach Mick Cronin called his team's second-half defense against Michigan the "worst" of his career.

  • The game will be played on Tuesday night in East Lansing, Michigan.
  • Michigan State lost 92-71 to Wisconsin on Friday.
  • UCLA lost 86-56 to Michigan on Saturday.

The players

Tom Izzo

Head coach of the Michigan State Spartans.

Mick Cronin

Head coach of the UCLA Bruins.

Jeremy Fears

Michigan State guard who leads the team in scoring and assists.

Jaxon Kohler

Michigan State forward who averages a team-best 9.3 rebounds per game.

Skyy Clark

UCLA guard who is returning from a 10-game absence due to a hamstring injury.

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What they’re saying

“That was a good, old-fashioned ass-kicking, to be honest with you.”

— Tom Izzo, Head coach, Michigan State Spartans (statenews.net)

“We were awful in the second half -- we were God-awful. We missed eight unguarded threes. If you are going to come in here, you've got to score. We have some guys who won't pass the ball and that is frustrating.”

— Mick Cronin, Head coach, UCLA Bruins (statenews.net)

“I just want to be a part of winning. I just want to do whatever it takes to win. Like, I can't have us being 30-pieced in an away game, you know?”

— Trent Perry, UCLA guard (statenews.net)

What’s next

The outcome of this game could impact the Big Ten standings and the postseason hopes for both Michigan State and UCLA. A win for the Spartans would help them get back on track, while a victory for the Bruins would continue their recent momentum.

The takeaway

This matchup features two Big Ten teams heading in opposite directions. Michigan State is trying to halt a recent slide, while UCLA is looking to build on its recent success. The game could have significant implications for both teams' postseason aspirations as they jockey for position in the competitive Big Ten conference.