Michigan State Gets Its UConn Rematch in Tuesday’s Exhibition

Tom Izzo wants revenge on the Dan Hurley-led Huskies, who eliminated the Spartans in the Sweet Sixteen last March. He gets his first look at them Tuesday night, when No. 4 UConn visits No. 6 Michigan State at the Breslin Center. The exhibition completes a two-year series, as Michigan State lost at UConn in an exhibition game last year.

What To Watch: Coen Carr Asked To Be More Aggressive

Michigan State forward Coen Carr said the coaching staff told him to be more aggressive this season. Carr plans to do that not just by scoring, but by growing his playmaking ability. Against Incarnate Word, he scored only six points on five field goal attempts but handed out five assists, a number that would have tied his college career high had it come in a game that counted. Carr will need to balance scoring and playmaking if he wants to be an offensive leader for the Spartans.

Advertisement

Power Forward Battle Potential

In the Spartans’ first exhibition game against Incarnate Word, forward Cam Ward sat out with an ankle injury, and forward Jesse McCulloch started. Izzo said afterward that the sprain was minor enough that Ward would have played in a regular-season game, and Ward is expected back in the starting lineup against UConn. What McCulloch does with the chance will decide whether a real battle develops.

Against Incarnate Word, McCulloch led the team with 20 points and helped the Spartans stretch the floor, going two-for-three from beyond the arc. Ward has not shown that range, as he attempted only two threes last season and missed both. Izzo will likely roll with Ward for his defense, but if McCulloch becomes a consistent offensive threat, the starting lineup could change.

How Much Will Ethan Taylor Play?

First-year center Ethan Taylor played 16 minutes against Incarnate Word and grabbed nine rebounds. Coming into the season, Taylor has been seen as a raw talent, but his 7-foot-2 frame gives him the size to at least be an impactful rebounder and rim protector. Taylor’s minutes this…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/michigan-state-gets-uconn-rematch-123000176.html

Author :

Publish date : 2026-10-20 12:30:00

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.