EAST LANSING, MI. — Behind a balanced, perimeter-heavy offensive display and efficient second-half execution, UConn weathered a fiery host atmosphere to capture a 78–70 exhibition victory over Michigan State on Tuesday night at the Breslin Events Center.
In a hard-fought contest featuring relentless defensive pressure and physical rim battles, the Huskies maintained control for over 36 minutes of game action, building a lead as large as 15 points late in the second half before holding off a spirited Spartans rally down the stretch.
The Huskies set the tone early in East Lansing, utilizing slick ball movement and opportunistic offensive rebounding to punch through Michigan State’s frontline. Freshman forward Nik Khamenia fueled Connecticut’s half-court offense, hitting timely perimeter jumpers and battling inside for second-chance opportunities. Khamenia led all Huskies on the night with 19 points and 6 rebounds, knocking down two key three-pointers.
Guard Silas Demary Jr. provided poised floor leadership, pouring in 16 points—highlighted by a buzzer-beating second-chance three-pointer with 41 seconds remaining in the first half to extend UConn's cushion.
Michigan State struggled to find rhythm from beyond the arc in the opening 20 minutes, hitting just 1 of 8 from distance. Despite tough paint efforts from Spartans guard Jeremy Fears Jr. and forward Jesse McCulloch, UConn went into the locker room holding a 30–22 advantage.
The intensity picked up dramatically after the break as both squads posted 48 points in a chaotic, fast-paced second half. Michigan State mounted an early 6–0 run behind quick fast-break buckets from Fears Jr. and Jordan Scott to pull within two at 30–28.
However, UConn responded with poise. Colben Landrew sparked a crucial mid-half surge, scoring inside and out to finish with 13 points and 5 rebounds. Reserve guard Nils Machowski proved to be a critical spark plug off the bench, sinking two huge three-pointers in transition and hitting clutch free throws down the stretch to contribute 9 key points.
UConn extended its margin to 66–51 with under six minutes remaining. Fears Jr. put the Spartans on his back late, knocking down a three-pointer and relentlessly driving to the rim to draw fouls. Fears Jr. finished with a game-high 23 points, 8 assists, and 3 steals, going 12-of-14 from the charity stripe.
Despite Michigan State closing the gap to seven points in the final minute, Khamenia and Demary Jr. sealed the victory from the foul line.
Box Score Breakdown & Statistical Standouts
| Team | 1st Half | 2nd Half | Final Total | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | Rebounds |
|
UConn Huskies
|
30 | 48 | 78 | 47.4% (27-57) | 40.0% (10-25) | 63.6% (14-22) | 34 |
|
Michigan State Spartans
|
22 | 48 | 70 | 39.6% (21-53) | 15.0% (3-20) | 73.5% (25-34) | 37 |
UConn Individual Leaders:
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Nik Khamenia: 19 PTS (6-11 FG, 2-4 3PT, 5-8 FT), 6 REB, 2 AST
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Silas Demary Jr.: 16 PTS (5-11 FG, 3-6 3PT), 5 AST, 2 REB
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Colben Landrew: 13 PTS (5-11 FG, 1-4 3PT), 5 REB, 2 AST
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Na'jai Hines: 8 PTS (4-5 FG), 3 REB, 2 BLK
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Nils Machowski: 9 PTS (2-3 3PT, 3-4 FT), 4 REB, 3 AST
Michigan State Individual Leaders:
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Jeremy Fears Jr.: 23 PTS (5-12 FG, 12-14 FT), 8 AST, 3 STL
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Jasiah Jervis: 11 PTS (2-6 FG, 5-7 FT), 3 REB
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Jesse McCulloch: 8 PTS (4-5 FG), 5 REB
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Jordan Scott: 7 PTS, 6 REB
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Coen Carr: 8 PTS, 5 REB
Key Takeaways
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Perimeter Efficiency Wins Out: UConn’s ability to stroke it from deep—shooting 40% (10-of-25) compared to Michigan State’s dismal 15% (3-of-20)—proved to be the primary differentiator in an eight-point contest.
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Bench Depth: UConn received crucial high-efficiency production from its rotation. Machowski, Oskar Giltay (4 PTS, 6 REB), and Junior County (3 PTS, 3 AST) provided consistent stability whenever starters were in foul trouble or taking breathers.
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Physicality at the Line: While MSU made a living at the charity stripe—converting 25 of 34 attempts—UConn matched their physical intensity in the paint, pulling down 34 rebounds and blocking 4 shots.
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