Michigan State Spartans upset Connecticut Huskies in Sweet 16

Spartans advance to Elite 8 with gritty defensive performance

Mar. 27, 2026 at 4:03pm

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The Michigan State Spartans defeated the heavily-favored Connecticut Huskies 67-62 in a hard-fought Sweet 16 matchup in the NCAA Tournament. The Spartans used their stifling defense and the leadership of point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. to pull off the upset and advance to the Elite 8.

Why it matters

This win continues Michigan State's surprising tournament run and sets up a showdown with another top seed in the Elite 8. The Spartans, led by veteran coach Tom Izzo, proved they can hang with the top teams in the country and keep their championship aspirations alive. For UConn, the loss is a disappointing end to a season that saw them win the national title just two years ago.

The details

Michigan State held UConn to just 62 points, well below their season average, by clamping down defensively and limiting the Huskies' scoring opportunities. Jeremy Fears Jr. had a game-high 18 points and 9 assists to pace the Spartans, while Jaxon Kohler added a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds. UConn was led by Tarris Reed Jr.'s 16 points, but struggled to find a consistent offensive rhythm against Michigan State's stifling defense.

  • The game was played on Friday, March 26, 2026 in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Tournament.
  • Michigan State had previously defeated North Dakota State and Louisville to advance to the Sweet 16.

The players

Jeremy Fears Jr.

The junior point guard for Michigan State, who led the team with 18 points and 9 assists in the upset win.

Jaxon Kohler

The sophomore forward for Michigan State, who recorded a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds.

Tarris Reed Jr.

The junior forward for Connecticut, who led the Huskies with 16 points in the losing effort.

Tom Izzo

The veteran head coach of the Michigan State Spartans, who guided his team to the upset victory.

Dan Hurley

The head coach of the Connecticut Huskies, who saw his team's season come to an end in the Sweet 16.

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What they’re saying

“Our guys really bought in defensively and made it tough on UConn all night. I'm so proud of the effort and toughness they showed to pull off this win.”

— Tom Izzo, Head Coach, Michigan State Spartans

“We just couldn't get into a rhythm offensively. Michigan State's defense really disrupted us and we couldn't find ways to score consistently. It's a tough way to end our season.”

— Tarris Reed Jr., Forward, Connecticut Huskies

What’s next

Michigan State will face the winner of the Arkansas vs. UCLA matchup in the Elite 8 on Sunday, March 28th.

The takeaway

Michigan State's gritty defensive performance and the leadership of Jeremy Fears Jr. were the keys to the Spartans pulling off the upset over the heavily-favored Connecticut Huskies. Tom Izzo's team continues to exceed expectations and now finds itself just one win away from the Final Four.