Michigan State basketball surprise shows what Spartans can do

Spartans hit a season-high 14 3-pointers to dominate UCLA

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Michigan State basketball had its most prolific outside shooting performance of the season, hitting 14 3-pointers to defeat UCLA 82-59 on Tuesday. The Spartans' hot shooting opened up opportunities inside for post players Jaxon Kohler and Carson Cooper, who combined for 21 points and 17 rebounds. The win came after a five-game stretch of shaky starts for MSU, and showed what the team is capable of when the shots are falling and the defense is playing well.

Why it matters

This game highlighted Michigan State's offensive versatility and ability to adapt when their outside shots are falling. After struggling in recent games, the Spartans proved they can be a dangerous team when their 3-point shooting is on point, which could be crucial as they look to improve their Big Ten Tournament and NCAA Tournament seeding in the final month of the season.

The details

Michigan State hit a season-high 14 3-pointers on 27 attempts, led by strong performances from Jeremy Fears Jr. (4-for-4 from 3), Coen Carr (2-for-2), and Kur Teng (3-for-3). This outside shooting opened up opportunities inside for post players Jaxon Kohler and Carson Cooper, who combined to shoot 5-for-6 in the first half. Cooper also hit a midrange jumper, drove for a 3-point play, and went 5-for-5 at the free-throw line.

  • Michigan State hit a season-high 14 3-pointers in the game on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

The players

Michigan State Spartans

The men's basketball team of Michigan State University, a Division I program that competes in the Big Ten Conference.

Jaxon Kohler

A post player for the Michigan State Spartans.

Carson Cooper

A senior post player for the Michigan State Spartans.

Jeremy Fears Jr.

A third-year sophomore guard for the Michigan State Spartans who had 16 points and 10 assists in the game.

Coen Carr

A player for the Michigan State Spartans who hit two 3-pointers in the game.

Kur Teng

A sophomore player for the Michigan State Spartans who hit three 3-pointers in the game.

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What they’re saying

“It just shows it's a wild game. Some days, you make every shot; and some days, you miss every shot. Some days, the other team makes every shot; and some days, they miss every shot.”

— Jeremy Fears Jr., third-year sophomore guard (yahoo.com)

“I thought Jeremy might have played one of his best games. And the reason is, he seemed so under control. He made good shots.”

— Tom Izzo, Head Coach (yahoo.com)

“I think we did a great job of moving the ball and capitalizing off our offensive rebounds. When the guards hit shots, they can't just sink in the paint and just crowd everything up.”

— Carson Cooper, senior post player (yahoo.com)

“Michigan State, coming off a loss on the road, they got guys that've been in their program that have a lot of pride in their program. I thought that was the best game they've played all year – 14-for-27 from 3? They don't shoot it like that. But not a surprise that we took their best shot, not a surprise at all.”

— Mick Cronin, UCLA Head Coach (yahoo.com)

What’s next

Michigan State will host Ohio State on Sunday, February 23rd at 1pm. This will be an important game as the Spartans look to improve their Big Ten Tournament and NCAA Tournament seeding in the final month of the season.

The takeaway

This game showed that when Michigan State's 3-point shooting is clicking, they can be a very dangerous team that is difficult to defend. The Spartans proved they have the offensive versatility to adapt and take advantage when their outside shots are falling, which could be a key factor as they look to make a strong push in the final stretch of the season.