UCLA Seeks Revenge Against Michigan State in Big Ten Tournament

The Bruins look to avenge their earlier blowout loss to the Spartans in the quarterfinals.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 7:49pm

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UCLA will face Michigan State in the Big Ten tournament quarterfinals, seeking revenge after the Spartans routed them 82-59 in their previous matchup on February 17. The sixth-seeded Bruins have recovered to win five of their last six games, while the third-seeded Spartans are coming off a 90-80 loss to Michigan. UCLA point guard Donovan Dent is looking to build on his historic triple-double performance in the previous round against Rutgers.

Why it matters

This rematch is an opportunity for UCLA to prove they can compete with one of the top teams in the Big Ten and potentially advance deeper into the tournament. Michigan State, led by Hall of Fame coach Tom Izzo, is known for their physicality, which has given the Bruins trouble in the past. The outcome of this game could have major implications for both teams' postseason aspirations.

The details

In the previous matchup, Michigan State dominated UCLA, leading by as many as 31 points. Spartan point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. outplayed Dent, who struggled with just 6 points on 3-of-11 shooting. However, Dent has since played exceptionally well, recording a triple-double in the previous round. Michigan State is led by veteran big men Jaxon Kohler and Carson Cooper, who have stepped up their production in recent games.

  • The teams will face off in the Big Ten tournament quarterfinals on Friday, March 13, 2026.
  • Michigan State defeated UCLA 82-59 in their previous meeting on February 17, 2026.

The players

Mick Cronin

The head coach of the UCLA Bruins basketball team.

Tom Izzo

The Hall of Fame head coach of the Michigan State Spartans basketball team.

Donovan Dent

The UCLA point guard who recorded a triple-double in the previous round of the Big Ten tournament.

Jeremy Fears Jr.

The Michigan State point guard who outplayed Dent in the previous matchup between the teams.

Jaxon Kohler

A senior big man for Michigan State who has been averaging 19.7 points and 9.3 rebounds over the past three games.

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What they’re saying

“They took us to the woodshed the last time. It will be a good game for us. We have some skilled guys but we've had trouble with physicality. That's no secret”

— Mick Cronin, UCLA Head Coach

“The biggest thing for me is trying to make sure it doesn't stay in my head that I'm gonna be tired. Because when you hear it, it subconsciously stays in your head.”

— Jaxon Kohler, Michigan State Senior Forward

“I feel pretty good. Just knowing that it's your last go-round, that kind gives you that extra little boost. Maybe last year, you might take something for granted -- and we got next year. But now, there's no room for being tired.”

— Carson Cooper, Michigan State Senior Forward

What’s next

The winner of the UCLA-Michigan State matchup will advance to the Big Ten tournament semifinals on Sunday, March 15, 2026.

The takeaway

This rematch between UCLA and Michigan State is a chance for the Bruins to prove they can compete with one of the top teams in the Big Ten and potentially make a deep run in the tournament. The outcome could have major implications for both teams' postseason aspirations.