No. 15 Michigan State looks to halt slide against surging UCLA

Spartans have lost 3 of 4 games, while Bruins have won 7 of 10 ahead of Tuesday's matchup

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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No. 15 Michigan State is looking to bounce back from a recent slide when it hosts UCLA on Tuesday night in Big Ten play. The Spartans have lost 3 of their past 4 games, including a 92-71 defeat at Wisconsin on Friday, while the Bruins have won 7 of their last 10 games and are coming off an 86-56 loss at Michigan.

Why it matters

Michigan State is currently tied for fifth in the Big Ten standings and needs to get back on track to maintain its position as a top-tier team in the conference. UCLA, meanwhile, is looking to continue its recent surge and pick up a marquee road win against a ranked opponent.

The details

Michigan State has struggled over its past 5 games, including an escape to force overtime before winning at Rutgers and a dreadful showing in a loss at Minnesota. The Spartans recovered with an impressive home overtime win against then-No. 5 Illinois before the lopsided loss to Wisconsin. UCLA has won 7 of its past 10 games but was blown out by Michigan on Saturday, with coach Mick Cronin calling it the "worst second-half defensive field goal percentage" of his 23-year career.

  • The game will be played on Tuesday night in East Lansing, Michigan.
  • Michigan State lost 92-71 at Wisconsin on Friday.

The players

Tom Izzo

Head coach of the Michigan State Spartans.

Coen Carr

Leads Michigan State with 19 points in the loss to Wisconsin.

Jeremy Fears

Michigan State guard averaging a team-high 15.1 points and 9.2 assists per game.

Jaxon Kohler

Michigan State forward averaging 12.5 points and a team-best 9.3 rebounds per game.

Mick Cronin

Head coach of the UCLA Bruins.

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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 Bruins player (statenews.net)

What’s next

The Spartans will look to bounce back and get back on track in the Big Ten standings, while the Bruins will aim to rebound from their blowout loss to Michigan.

The takeaway

This game represents an important test for both teams as they look to position themselves for the stretch run of the Big Ten season. Michigan State needs to regain its form to maintain its status as a top contender, while UCLA is seeking a signature road win against a ranked opponent to bolster its NCAA Tournament resume.