Michigan State Prepares to Host Former Spartan Booker and UCLA

Izzo looks ahead to key matchup with Bruins after recent Spartans struggles

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo is preparing his team to host former Spartan Xavier Booker and the UCLA Bruins on Tuesday night. Izzo spoke about the challenges posed by UCLA's leading scorer Tyler Bilodeau, point guard Donovan Dent, and guard Skyy Clark, who is returning from injury. The Spartans are looking to bounce back after dropping three of their last four games, including a 21-point loss at Wisconsin, while the Bruins are coming off a blowout defeat at the hands of Michigan.

Why it matters

This matchup between Michigan State and UCLA holds significance as it features a former Spartan in Booker returning to face his old team. Additionally, the Spartans are trying to regain momentum after a recent slump, while the Bruins are looking to rebound from a lopsided loss. The outcome of this game could impact the teams' standings and trajectories as the season progresses.

The details

Izzo highlighted several key UCLA players that the Spartans will need to contain, including leading scorer Tyler Bilodeau, point guard Donovan Dent, and guard Skyy Clark, who is returning from injury. The Spartans are coming off a 21-point loss at Wisconsin, while the Bruins suffered an 86-56 defeat at the hands of Michigan in their last outing.

  • The game is scheduled for Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 8:30 p.m.
  • Booker spent his first two collegiate seasons with the Spartans before transferring to UCLA.

The players

Tom Izzo

The head coach of the Michigan State Spartans men's basketball team.

Xavier Booker

A junior forward who played his first two seasons at Michigan State before transferring to UCLA.

Tyler Bilodeau

The leading scorer for the UCLA Bruins men's basketball team.

Donovan Dent

The point guard for the UCLA Bruins men's basketball team, who previously played for New Mexico.

Skyy Clark

A guard for the UCLA Bruins men's basketball team who is returning from injury.

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What they’re saying

“Izzo and Co. are looking to restore some good vibes after dropping three of their last four outings, including Friday's 21-point loss at Wisconsin.”

— Stephen Brooks, Author (247sports.com)

What’s next

The outcome of this game could impact the teams' standings and trajectories as the season progresses.

The takeaway

This matchup between Michigan State and UCLA holds significance as it features a former Spartan in Booker returning to face his old team, while both teams are looking to bounce back from recent losses and regain momentum in the season.