No. 4 UConn Dominates No. 22 Michigan State in Exhibition Thriller at Hartford

Huskies cruise to 76-69 victory behind Karaban and Ball’s 18-point performances in wire-to-wire exhibition win

Hartford, CT — The 4th UConn Huskies sent a message to college basketball on Tuesday night, controlling every minute of their exhibition showdown against No. 22 Michigan State. In front of 15,495 roaring fans, UConn’s dynamic duo of Alex Karaban and Solo Ball each dropped 18 points. Leading the Huskies to a commanding 76-69 victory over the Spartans.

The win caps a perfect 2-0 preseason for head coach Dan Hurley’s squad, which never trailed in the contest. They built leads as large as 19 points in the second half. The result won’t count toward the all-time series between these storied programs. Which currently is deadlocked at 4-4. It provided a tantalizing preview of what could be a special season in Storrs.

“It’s just awesome for us to be able to get an exhibition versus one of the greatest coaches to ever do it in college and then one of the classiest, winningest programs,” Hurley said afterward, his respect for Tom Izzo and the Spartans program evident in every word.

First Half: Huskies Jump Out Fast

UConn wasted no time establishing dominance. Silas Demary Jr., making his unofficial Huskies debut, announced his arrival with authority. Draining back-to-back three-pointers in the opening minutes to stake UConn to an early 8-1 lead. The transfer guard’s instant impact set the tone for a first half that belonged entirely to the home team.

Solo Ball quickly joined the party, converting an old-fashioned three-point play and adding a deep three to push the advantage to double digits at 14-4 just over six minutes into the game. Seeing Michigan State, visibly rattled by UConn’s defensive intensity. They struggled mightily from the field early, missing their first 16 attempts from two-point range and going 3-of-16 overall to start the contest.

“We didn’t allow them to get comfortable, that’s championship-level defense right there.” — Unnamed Source at UConn

The Spartans’ offensive struggles were glaring. Tom Izzo, never one to sugarcoat his team’s performance, was blunt in his post-game assessment. “Very disappointed in my team’s performance tonight. I felt like we did not look like a team that played hardest,” the Hall of Fame coach said. “We showed the first half, but the second half we played a little harder. We rebounded a little better.”

The Huskies’ offensive rhythm continued to flow. Freshman Jacob Furphy found fellow first-year Eric Reibe for a thunderous dunk at 8:37. Extending the lead to 22-11 and bringing the Hartford crowd to its feet. Malachi Smith connected with Jayden Ross for a wing three-pointer that ballooned the advantage to 36-23.

Alex Karaban, the Huskies’ returning star, capped the first-half fireworks with a curling three-pointer at 1:12. Giving UConn its largest lead of the opening period at 14 points. The Huskies took a commanding 44-33 advantage into the locker room. Commanding an efficient 43.3% from the field and 40% from beyond the arc.

For Michigan State, the first half was a struggle. The Spartans shot just 35% from the floor and 25% from three-point range. Only Jeremy Fears Jr. (9 points) and Carson Cooper (6 points) providing consistent offense. The visitors were outrebounded 20-14 and turned the ball over eight times, leading to 16 UConn points.

Izzo acknowledged his team wasn’t prepared for what UConn threw at them. “Danny runs one of the better offensive movement offenses that there is in the country,” he said. “I mean, we played against a lot of teams in the Big Ten, and we said to our players coming in here, our guards weren’t really ready for that.”

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Second Half: UConn Pulls Away, Then Holds On

If the first half belonged to UConn, the second half started as a defensive slugfest. Michigan State clawed back within single digits about five minutes into the frame, cutting the deficit to 52-42 on a Coen Carr three-pointer assisted by Fears Jr.

But just when the Spartans seemed poised to make it interesting, the Huskies responded with a knockout punch.

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Over a blistering 1:26 stretch, UConn unleashed an 11-0 run that effectively put the game on ice. Jayden Ross, Malachi Smith, and Alex Karaban connected on consecutive three-pointers—a barrage that sent the PeoplesBank Arena crowd into delirium and pushed the lead to 63-44 with 11:26 remaining.

“That’s what great teams do, They answer runs with runs of their own.”–Uconn fan sitting courtside.

Ross’s performance particularly excited Hurley, who has been waiting for the sophomore to showcase his abilities on a bigger stage. “I love, obviously, I love J Ross. I mean I’ve seen that movie in my home, streaming in my house,” Hurley said with a grin. “But I think that now that movie is now going to theaters so the public can see it.”

Karaban was surgical throughout the second half, finishing 8-of-8 from the free-throw line and showcasing the poise that has made him one of the nation’s premier players. His 84.1% career free-throw percentage ranks fourth in UConn history, and Tuesday’s performance only added to that legacy.

Michigan State refused to go quietly. The Spartans mounted a 7-0 spurt late in the game, pulling within 71-62 with 3:31 to play and forcing UConn to call a timeout. Jaxon Kohler and Carson Cooper—who both posted double-doubles with 10 points, 12 rebounds and 12 points, 10 rebounds respectively—led the charge, attacking the paint relentlessly.

But Solo Ball had other ideas. After the timeout, the dynamic guard sliced through the Spartans’ defense for a driving layup that restored the double-digit cushion at 73-62. Jayden Ross sealed the victory moments later, banking home a runner at the 2:00 mark to make it 76-62 and effectively end any hopes of a Michigan State comeback.

Key Performances

Alex Karaban (18 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist): The junior forward was the picture of efficiency, shooting 4-of-11 from the field, 2-of-4 from three, and a perfect 8-of-8 from the charity stripe. His ability to get to the line and convert was crucial in maintaining UConn’s lead down the stretch.

Solo Ball (18 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist): Despite a cold shooting night from beyond the arc (1-of-7), Ball showcased his versatility by dominating inside the three-point line. He went 5-of-6 on two-point attempts and 5-of-5 from the free-throw line, consistently attacking the rim and drawing fouls.

Jayden Ross (13 points, 1 rebound): The bench spark plug came through in a big way, scoring 13 points in 22 minutes—just one shy of his career high of 14 set against UNH last season. His three-pointer during the decisive second-half run was a dagger.

Silas Demary Jr. (9 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists): The newcomer made an immediate impact in his UConn debut, providing steady playmaking and knocking down crucial early three-pointers that set the tone.

For Michigan State:

Jeremy Fears Jr. (14 points, 1 rebound, 6 assists): The Spartans’ floor general did everything he could to keep his team in the game, leading all Michigan State scorers and facilitating the offense despite constant UConn pressure.

Jaxon Kohler (10 points, 12 rebounds): The big man was a force on the glass, recording a double-double and providing second-chance opportunities.

Carson Cooper (12 points, 10 rebounds): Cooper matched Kohler’s effort with his own double-double, attacking the rim and cleaning up on the boards.

By The Numbers

The game was a free-throw marathon, with 56 fouls called and 74 free throws attempted between both teams. UConn converted 23-of-30 (76.7%) from the line, while Michigan State made 29-of-44 (65.9%).

UConn’s Shooting:

• Field Goals: 42.3% (22-52)
• Three-Point: 37.5% (9-24)
• Free Throws: 76.7% (23-30)

Michigan State’s Shooting:

• Field Goals: 39.1% (18-46)
• Three-Point: 28.6% (4-14)
• Free Throws: 65.9% (29-44)

The Huskies held a slim 38-34 edge on the glass, led by Eric Reibe’s seven rebounds and four from Dwayne Koroma. UConn was +1 in turnover margin, converting that into a 16-11 advantage in points off turnovers.

Interestingly, UConn recorded an uncharacteristically low 13 assists on 22 made field goals—a number that will likely improve as the team builds chemistry throughout the season. Demary Jr. and Smith each dished out three assists to lead the team.

Defensive Dominance

UConn’s defense set the tone early and never relented. The Huskies limited Michigan State to a dismal 3-of-16 start from the floor and didn’t allow a single two-point field goal for the first 12:36 of the contest—a suffocating display that had the Spartans scrambling for answers.

“They were in every passing lane,” Izzo noted afterward. “We couldn’t get anything easy.”

The Huskies’ ability to switch defensively and contest shots without fouling (in the flow of the game, at least) was impressive, particularly given the whistle-happy officiating crew of John Gaffney, Paul Szelc, and Matt Potter.

Both coaches expressed frustration with the whistle-happy officiating crew of John Gaffney, Paul Szelc, and Matt Potter. “That might have been the longest game. We needed to have a pitch counter,” Izzo joked, referencing baseball’s recent efforts to speed up play. “What are they doing in baseball? They something to speed the game up.”

Hurley echoed the concern, worried about the direction of college basketball. “I just don’t think that we want college basketball to start looking like the NBA, where people are dribbling into people and throwing it up at the basket,” he said. “I think the fans are not gonna like that.”

Despite the excessive whistles, Hurley was pleased with his team’s defensive intensity, though he acknowledged the foul trouble remains an issue. “A lot of it was a lack of discipline. And we’ve got to figure that out because I do think we’re playing hard,” he said. “We’re much better defensively, even with Tyrus out, than we were last year. But we got to figure out the fouling thing.”

The game lasted 2 hours and 25 minutes—an eternity by college basketball standards—prompting both coaches to share a laugh on the sideline about the situation.

By The Numbers

UConn’s Shooting:

• Field Goals: 42.3% (22-52)
• Three-Point: 37.5% (9-24)
• Free Throws: 76.7% (23-30)

Michigan State’s Shooting:

• Field Goals: 39.1% (18-46)
• Three-Point: 28.6% (4-14)
• Free Throws: 65.9% (29-44)

The Huskies held a slim 38-34 edge on the glass, led by Eric Reibe’s seven rebounds and four from Dwayne Koroma. UConn was +1 in turnover margin, converting that into a 16-11 advantage in points off turnovers.

Interestingly, UConn recorded an uncharacteristically low 13 assists on 22 made field goals—a number that will likely improve as the team builds chemistry throughout the season. Demary Jr. and Smith each dished out three assists to lead the team.

Mutual Respect Between Coaching Legends

The post-game press conferences revealed deep mutual respect between two of college basketball’s most passionate coaches. Hurley, known for his fiery sideline demeanor, spoke reverently about what he’s learned from Izzo over the years.

“Coach Izzo has changed young men’s lives by making them into fully grown men that are ready to handle the challenges of the world,” Hurley said. “I’ve stolen his tactics, I’ve stolen his culture, I’ve stolen the way he develops players. He’s one of the best coaches to ever do it.”

Izzo returned the compliment, praising Hurley’s ability to demand excellence while maintaining player loyalty. “I love what he’s done with this program; I’m a big fan of his. You gotta love his passion. Players still wanna play for him,”Izzo said. “I think he coaches them hard and he loves them hard. That’s a hell of a feat, man.”

The mutual admiration between the two coaches added a layer of class to what was otherwise a physically intense, whistle-filled contest. Both men understand the value of these early-season tests against elite competition.

Looking Ahead: Championship Aspirations

While this exhibition victory won’t appear in the record books, it provided valuable insights into both programs. For UConn, the performance validated their No. 4 national ranking and showcased the depth that could carry them deep into March. The contributions from newcomers like Demary Jr. and the continued excellence of veterans like Karaban suggest this team has the pieces to compete for another championship.

Hurley’s confidence in his team’s potential was evident. “I think we’ve got a team that when we’re healthy and as we develop throughout the year, that we could be a championship-caliber team. We’ve got depth,” he said.

The Huskies will be even more dangerous when Tyrus Martin returns from injury. “He’s going to be a focal point offensively in a way that Adama was,” Hurley explained. “And then, you know, he’s also one of the best returning defensive players in the country.”

For Michigan State, the loss—while disappointing—offers teaching moments. The Spartans’ double-double performances from Kohler and Cooper provide a foundation to build on, and Fears Jr.’s leadership will be crucial as they navigate a challenging Big Ten schedule.

Izzo remained philosophical about the exhibition setback, refusing to overreact to an early-season contest. “I’m not panicking. We just got to play better. It’s early, we got a lot of work to do; we know that,” he said. “So we got a long way to go, but that’s why it’s an exhibition game. And I think both of us will be better as we move forward.”

The two programs will renew this exhibition series in East Lansing during the 2026-27 preseason, giving Michigan State a chance at revenge on their home floor.

Looking Ahead

While this exhibition victory won’t appear in the record books, it provided valuable insights into both programs. For UConn, the performance validated their No. 4 national ranking and showcased the depth that could carry them deep into March. The contributions from newcomers like Demary Jr. The continued excellence of veterans like Karaban suggest this team has the pieces to compete for another championship.

For Michigan State, the loss—while disappointing—offers teaching moments. The Spartans’ double-double performances from Kohler and Cooper provide a foundation to build on. Along with Fears Jr.’s leadership will be crucial as they navigate a challenging Big Ten schedule.

The two programs will renew this exhibition series in East Lansing during the 2026-27 preseason. Giving Michigan State a chance at revenge on their home floor.

What’s Next

UConn will officially open the 2025-26 regular season on Monday, November 3, when they welcome New Haven to Gampel Pavilion for a 7 p.m. tip. The Huskies will look to carry this momentum into the regular season as they chase another national championship.

Michigan State will also turn their attention to their regular-season opener. Looking to bounce back from this exhibition setback and prove they belong among the nation’s elite.

Game Notes

• The 15,495 fans in attendance at PeoplesBank Arena created a raucous atmosphere befitting a ranked matchup
• UConn improved to 2-0 in exhibition play this preseason
• The game lasted 2 hours and 25 minutes
• Solo Ball’s 18 points came despite shooting just 1-of-7 from three-point range, showcasing his ability to score in multiple ways
• Alex Karaban’s perfect 8-of-8 performance from the free-throw line reinforced his reputation as one of college basketball’s most reliable shooters
• Jayden Ross continues to develop into a reliable scoring option off the bench
• The all-time series between UConn and Michigan State remains tied at 4-4 (exhibition games not counted)

Final Score:No. 4 UConn 76, No. 22 Michigan State 69

• Location: PeoplesBank Arena, Hartford, CT
• Attendance: 15,495
• Officials: John Gaffney, Paul Szelc, Matt Potter
• Game Duration: 2:25

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