<\/p>\n
UConn forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) dunks as Michigan State forward Cameron Ward (3) defends during the first half in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, March 27, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Stephanie Scarbrough)<\/p>\n
Stephanie Scarbrough\/Associated Press<\/p>\n
UConn men’s basketball<\/a> is moving on in the NCAA Tournament, surviving a thrilling Sweet 16 battle against Michigan State 67-63 in Washington, D.C. on Friday evening.<\/p>\n The Huskies were angling for a riot out of the gates, cashing in on six of their first seven attempts from 3-point range to take a commanding 3-point lead. However, a 3-for-14 stretch from deep followed for UConn, allowing Michigan State to take a second-half lead, but some clutch late free throws from Alex Karaban and Tarris Reed Jr. helped secure the win.\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Here’s a look back at Friday’s Sweet 16 action:<\/p>\n Michigan State’s Laettner heave was broken up, Alex Karaban secured the loose ball, and UConn is moving on to the Elite Eight against Duke on Sunday!<\/p>\n The UConn center entered Friday’s game as just a 58% free-throw shooter, but he’s made all four of his foul shots down the stretch here. The most recent pair gives UConn a 67-63 lead with 4.0 seconds left, all but securing the\u00a0UConn win.\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n The Huskies forced Michigan State into a long possession that resulted in a missed 3-pointer. UConn was ultimately whistled for a loose-ball foul with four seconds remaining, leading 65-62.<\/p>\n Michigan State forward Jaxon Kohler, right, shoots over UConn forward Tarris Reed Jr. during the first half in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, March 27, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Stephanie Scarbrough)<\/p>\n Stephanie Scarbrough\/Associated Press PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MARCH 22: Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies celebrates with Alex Karaban #11 against the UCLA Bruins during the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.<\/p>\n Mitchell Leff\/Getty Images during the first half in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, March 27, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Stephanie Scarbrough)<\/p>\n Stephanie Scarbrough\/Associated Press UConn guard Solo Ball (1) motions after a basket against Michigan State during the first half in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, March 27, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Stephanie Scarbrough)<\/p>\n Stephanie Scarbrough\/Associated Press UConn guard Malachi Smith (0) shoots over Michigan State guard Jeremy Fears Jr. (1) during the first half in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, March 27, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Stephanie Scarbrough)<\/p>\n Stephanie Scarbrough\/Associated Press UConn forward Jaylin Stewart (3) reacts after scoring during the first half against Michigan State in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, March 27, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Abbie Parr)<\/p>\n Abbie Parr\/Associated Press UConn forward Jayden Ross (23) talks with UConn head coach Dan Hurley during the first half against Michigan State in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, March 27, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Abbie Parr)<\/p>\n Abbie Parr\/Associated Press UConn forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) shoots over Michigan State center Carson Cooper (15) and forward Jordan Scott (6) during the first half in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, March 27, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Stephanie Scarbrough)<\/p>\n Stephanie Scarbrough\/Associated Press Michigan State guard Jeremy Fears Jr. (1) drives past UConn forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) during the first half in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, March 27, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Stephanie Scarbrough)<\/p>\n Stephanie Scarbrough\/Associated Press UConn guard Braylon Mullins (24) drives as Michigan State forward Jaxon Kohler (0) defends during the first half in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, March 27, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Stephanie Scarbrough)<\/p>\n Stephanie Scarbrough\/Associated Press Michigan State guard Jeremy Fears Jr., right, drives past UConn forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) during the first half in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, March 27, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Stephanie Scarbrough)<\/p>\n Stephanie Scarbrough\/Associated Press UConn forward Alex Karaban (11) celebrates a three pointer against Michigan State during the second half in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, March 27, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Stephanie Scarbrough)<\/p>\n Stephanie Scarbrough\/Associated Press UConn forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) dunks as Michigan State center Carson Cooper (15) looks on during the second half in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, March 27, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Stephanie Scarbrough)<\/p>\n Stephanie Scarbrough\/Associated Press UConn guard Solo Ball (1) and Michigan State guard Kur Teng (2) chase down a loose ball during the second half in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, March 27, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Stephanie Scarbrough)<\/p>\n Stephanie Scarbrough\/Associated Press<\/p>\n Karaban’s first free throws of the night came at a crucial time, but the star senior knocked down both. UConn leads 65-62 with 22 seconds left.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Jeremy Fears knocked down a pair of free throws to bring Michigan State within one, as Tom Izzo calls timeout. The Spartans will look to force a turnover or foul on the ensuing inbound. UConn has two timeouts and the possession arrow.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Michigan transfer’s free-throw woes have\u00a0plagued UConn all season long, but Reed knocked down the two most important foul shots of his career to give UConn a 63-60 lead with 44.8 seconds left.\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n UConn’s senior star isn’t ready to go home yet! Karaban stepped into a 30-foot jump shot and swished it, giving UConn a 61-57 lead with 1:37 to play.\u00a0<\/p>\n Carson Cooper has been ravaging the rim lately, throwing down yet another dunk over Tarris Reed Jr. to pull the Spartans within one. UConn leads 58-57 with 1:55 to play.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Smith’s fourth steal of the game comes at a crucial time, giving UConn possession with a 58-55 lead and 2:41 remaining.\u00a0<\/p>\n As the clock nears midnight, Friday’s game is begging for an early-morning hero. UConn leads Michigan State with 3:08 remaining and will inbound under the opposing basket after the final media timeout.\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n UConn forward Alex Karaban (11) and Michigan State forward Jaxon Kohler (0) battle for the ball during the first half in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, March 27, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Stephanie Scarbrough)<\/p>\n Stephanie Scarbrough\/Associated Press<\/p>\n Michigan State has not scored in nearly three minutes since taking its first lead of the second half. Meanwhile, Solo Ball has continued to shake off his slump, scoring\u00a0UConn’s\u00a0last four points to give the Huskies a 55-49 lead with 5:15 to play.<\/p>\n The intensity has ratcheted up in Washington, D.C., as UConn’s early 19-point lead has withered away to allow for a blockbuster finish in the Sweet 16. UConn leads 51-49, with a Silas Demary Jr. turnover triggering the under-8 timeout.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n With UConn mired in a 3-point shooting slump, its senior leader Alex Karaban stepped up with a massive triple to give UConn a 51-47 lead with 8:30 remaining.\u00a0<\/p>\n Entering crunch time, there have been four lead changes in as many possessions. Tarris Reed delivered the latest scoring punch, as his hook shot\u00a0gives UConn a 48-47 lead with 9 minutes to play.\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n After leading by 19 in the first half, Michigan State has finally pulled even after a Jaxson Kohler and-one finish. The game is tied at 44 with 10:06 remaining, as Kohler can give Sparty the lead with the ensuing free throw.<\/p>\n Jayden Ross was unable to convert a fast-break layup attempt, and after an ensuing loose ball, possession was initally awarded to Michigan State. However, Dan Hurley elected to challenge the call, and video review indicated that the ball touched off Carson Cooper’s foot.\u00a0UConn leads 44-40 with 11 minutes to play.\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Karaban, known for his offensive contributions, has now recorded two blocks in a matter of 35 seconds. The power forward held his ground on a Cam Ward postup before attacking the shooting pocket of a Michigan State 3-point shooter on the next possession.\u00a0<\/p>\n Make CT Insider a preferred source on Google to see more of our journalism when you search.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Add Preferred Source<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n UConn leads 42-37 with 14:34 left to play.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n UConn was in the midst of a four-minute scoring drought, watching another possession wither away as Michigan State’s 19-point deficit had been trimmed to one. With just a couple of seconds remaining on the shot clock,\u00a0Braylon Mullins hoisted an off-balance shot with his body facing the UConn bench \u2014 nothing but net!\u00a0<\/p>\n Tarris Reed Jr. answered with a steal and a dunk on UConn’s next possession, and the Huskies lead is up to 40-34 with 15:17 remaining.\u00a0<\/p>\n Carr’s famed athleticism is helping Michigan State’s comeback effort on both ends, coming out of nowhere to sway away a certain Tarris Reed Jr. dunk. The forward then drained a jumper on the Spartans’ next possession and UConn’s lead, once as high as 19, has dwindled to three early in the second half.\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n UConn will inbound to begin the second half, looking to finish off Michigan State and advance to the Elite Eight.\u00a0<\/p>\n Michigan State ended the half on an extended 21-10 run, turning what was shaping up to be a UConn riot back into a competitive ballgame. Solo Ball snapped his shooting skid with a pair of first-half 3-pointers, tied with Tarris Reed Jr. for a team-high eight points, while Malachi Smith has chipped in with four assists and two steals off the bench.\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n The UConn coach wants to talk it over, as the Huskies’ 19-point lead has been nearly cut in half. UConn leads 33-23 with two minutes remaining in the first half.<\/p>\n UConn head coach Dan Hurley reacts during the first half against Michigan State in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, March 27, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Abbie Parr)<\/p>\n Abbie Parr\/Associated Press<\/p>\n Tarris Reed is beginning to establish himself in Friday’s game after spectating an early 3-point barrage, scoring the last six points for UConn. Reed has eight points and three assists, with the opportunity for more via an and-one free throw when play resumes.\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n The Dayton transfer is starring on both ends, swiping his second steal of the game and immediately sparking a fast break that culminated in his fourth assist of the night. UConn leads 31-16 with 4:20 remaining in the first half.\u00a0<\/p>\n Demary Jr. has just two points in Friday’s game, but playing through a twisted ankle, he’s neutralized the puppetmaster of Michigan State’s offense. Jeremy Fears leads the nation in assists, but the Spartans point guard has zero through 12 minutes of action and is just 1-6 from the field.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n UConn leads 27-12 at the under-8 media timeout.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n UConn guard Silas Demary Jr. (2) drives past Michigan State guard Kur Teng during the first half in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, March 27, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Stephanie Scarbrough)<\/p>\n Stephanie Scarbrough\/Associated Press<\/p>\n After a scintillating 21-2 run, Michigan State has staggered back to its feet, snapping a 0-14 shooting skid and stringing together a mini 6-0 run. Meanwhile, UConn’s offense has now gone quiet for the last two minutes, as Eric Reibe went 0-2 at the free-throw line while Braylon Mullins missed a pair of layups.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n UConn leads 25-12 with eight minutes until halftime.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Junior wing\u00a0Jaylin Stewart just checked in for the first time in nearly a month after returning from injury. But when the shooting bug is this contagious, no\u00a0warmup is needed. Stewart rattled home his first attempt from the left corner, as UConn is now shooting 5-6 from 3-point range and leads 21-6.\u00a0<\/p>\n Everything is falling for the Huskies right now \u2014 even Solo Ball 3-pointers. The embattled junior guard swished a long-range shot from the right wing, giving UConn an 18-6 lead and forcing a Tom Izzo timeout at the 12:00 mark.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n The Dayton transfer has continued to step up this tournament with Silas Demary Jr. rehabilitating from a sprained ankle, drilling UConn’s most recent 3-pointer. UConn is now 3-4 from 3-point range and leads 13-5 with 13 minutes left until halftime.<\/p>\n Michigan State has already racked up seven offensive rebounds in as many minutes of action, but the Spartans have been unable to capitalize on these opportunities. They’ve managed just two second chance points, while shooting 2-13 from the floor.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n The UConn defense led a dominant second-half effort against UCLA last weekend, and the Huskies have been similarly suffocating to start Friday’s game. Michigan State has missed six-straight field goals, as UConn leads 8-4.\u00a0<\/p>\n UConn faced well-documented shooting struggles to begin this tournament, but the Huskies are hot early against the Spartans. Alex Karaban opened UConn’s account from long range, later turning provider for a Braylon Mullins corner 3-pointer.\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Huskies lead 6-4 after three minutes of play.\u00a0<\/p>\n controls the opening tip, and we are underway from the nation’s capital.\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n The CBS Sports studio crew is looking forward to Friday’s matchup between a pair of accomplished head coaches in Dan Hurley and Tom Izzo, with Kenny Smith proposing that the two tacticians should play 1-on-1 if the game goes to overtime.\u00a0<\/p>\n “I would love to change the rules. If it goes to overtime \u2014 Coach Izzo vs. Hurley 1 on 1” \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n Kenny Smith loves the fiery demeanors of both coaches in MSU vs UConn pic.twitter.com\/xUtCFGCKWQ<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n