Michigan State Spartans Defeat UCLA Bruins in Impressive Home Win

Spartans show growth and momentum ahead of March Madness with 82-59 victory over Bruins

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Michigan State Spartans secured an impressive 82-59 home victory over the UCLA Bruins on Tuesday night, showcasing significant progress that will be crucial as they prepare for the upcoming March Madness tournament. The Spartans set a season-high with 14 made three-pointers, with several players contributing to the strong perimeter shooting performance. Defensively, Michigan State also stepped up, limiting the high-powered Bruins offense well below their season average.

Why it matters

This win is an important step forward for Michigan State as they look to build momentum heading into the most crucial stretch of the season. The Spartans' ability to excel on both ends of the floor against a talented UCLA team demonstrates the growth and development the team has undergone, which will be essential as they aim to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.

The details

Michigan State came into the game averaging just under 8 three-pointers per game on the season, but they erupted for 14 made threes on 27 attempts against the Bruins, who lead the Big Ten in 3-point field goal percentage defense. Six different Spartan players connected from beyond the arc, led by Jeremy Fears and Coen Carr, who combined to make 6-of-12 from deep. On the defensive end, Michigan State stepped up with improved efforts from Jordan Scott and Carr in containing UCLA's smaller, quicker guards, an area that had previously caused problems for the Spartans.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, February 18, 2026 at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, Michigan.

The players

Michigan State Spartans

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

UCLA Bruins

The men's basketball team from the University of California, Los Angeles, a Division I program that competes in the Pac-12 Conference.

Jeremy Fears

A player for the Michigan State Spartans who made 4 three-pointers in the game.

Coen Carr

A player for the Michigan State Spartans who made 2 three-pointers and played strong defense against UCLA's guards.

Jordan Scott

A player for the Michigan State Spartans who made 3 three-pointers and also contributed on the defensive end.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Spartans will look to build on this impressive win as they continue their push towards the NCAA Tournament, with key conference games and the Big Ten Tournament still to come.

The takeaway

Michigan State's comprehensive victory over UCLA demonstrated the team's growth and development, particularly on the defensive end, which will be crucial as they aim to make a deep run in March Madness. The Spartans' ability to excel in multiple facets of the game against a talented opponent is an encouraging sign for their postseason aspirations.