UConn Hosts MSU in Ranked Exhibition at PBA Stadium
The UConn men’s basketball team, currently ranked No. 4, is set for an exhibition matchup against No. 22 Michigan State. The game will take place at PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford on Tuesday night, starting at 7:30 p.m. This showdown marks the conclusion of UConn’s preseason schedule.
Broadcast Information
Fans can catch the game live on WFSB Channel 3. There will also be a streaming option available through UConn+ for a one-time fee of $7.99. The broadcast will be anchored by Randy Brochu and UConn’s all-time leading scorer, Chris Smith.
Recent Performance
- UConn recently defeated Boston College, with a score of 71-52 during the Hall of Fame Exhibition on October 13.
- Michigan State secured a victory over Bowling Green, winning 75-66 in their last exhibition game on Thursday.
Series History
Although Tuesday’s game does not count towards the official series record, UConn and Michigan State have faced each other eight times in history, splitting their meetings evenly. Their initial encounters took place during the 1998-1999 and 1999-2000 seasons, with both teams claiming victory at home.
Notable Past Meetings
Most of their past matches occurred on neutral courts, including memorable contests like the 2009 Final Four and the 2014 East Regional Final. The only previous encounter during the Dan Hurley era was a tightly contested semifinal in the 2021 Battle 4 Atlantis.
Player Honors and Contributions
Recently, five UConn players received accolades in the BIG EAST Preseason awards. Notable recognitions include:
- Solo Ball, Alex Karaban, and Tarris Reed Jr. earned First Team honors.
- Silas Demary Jr. made the Second Team.
- Braylon Mullins was named Preseason Freshman of the Year.
In their last exhibition, Karaban led the team with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Solo Ball and Mullins contributed 12 points each.
Michigan State Overview
Coen Carr led Michigan State in their exhibition game with 17 points. Jaxon Kohler also made a significant impact, posting a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds. The Spartans are the defending Big Ten Regular Season champions and have a remarkable streak of 27 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances under legendary coach Tom Izzo.
Looking Ahead
After the exhibition against Michigan State, UConn will officially kickoff its regular season on Monday, November 3. They will face New Haven at Gampel Pavilion, marking the start of their competitive journey for the season.
