Three Areas Michigan State Must Improve After Loss to UConn

Tuesday night featured a top-six exhibition matchup between the Michigan State Spartans and the UConn Huskies.

It was the Spartans’ first taste of elite competition this season, and it was easy to see how far they still have to go to become one of the top four teams in the nation.

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There were plenty of positives for Michigan State to take away from the game. However, after a loss at home, there are always areas that need to be addressed, and head coach Tom Izzo will be the first to agree.

Here are three major areas the Spartans need to improve immediately.

1. Three-Point Shooting

This was the biggest difference between the two teams.

Three-point shooting was something the Spartans struggled with last season, too. They had games in which they showed they could knock down shots from beyond the arc, but the inconsistency was a recurring problem. Too often, their shots wouldn’t fall early, leaving them in a massive hole to climb out of.

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The same could be said for Tuesday night. Michigan State finished a putrid 3-for-20 from three-point range. Jeremy Fears Jr. hit one three-pointer, while Jasiah Jervis knocked down two. Jervis also drew a foul on a three-point attempt and converted all three free throws.

Kur Teng and Coen Carr both went 0-for-3 from beyond the arc, while Carlos Medlock Jr. finished 0-for-4.

The Spartans cannot afford to be that inconsistent from deep if they want to achieve the goals they have set for themselves this season. Better shooting will be essential against elite competition, especially when their opponents can capitalize on every missed opportunity.

2. First-Half Scoring

The Spartans’ performance against UConn followed a familiar pattern from last season.

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In some of their biggest games, Michigan State’s offense has come out flat. Whether playing at home or on the road, the Spartans have struggled to find their rhythm early, digging themselves into holes that become increasingly difficult to escape.

Last season, Fears and…

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Publish date : 2026-10-21 15:32:00

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