UConn managed to hold off Michigan State late, securing a place in the Elite Eight. The game concluded with a 67-63 scoreline in favour of UConn. Tarris Reed Jr. and Alex Karaban delivered under pressure with crucial free throws in the final minute.
Clutch Free Throws Seal the Win
Reed, who has a free throw percentage of 59% this season, made all four of his attempts in the closing minute. “I feel like I put in the work,” Reed said. “The guys around me were like, ‘T, trust. We see you do free throw game every day, You put in the work every day, and we see you at the free throw line,'” Reed added. “So, I took a deep breath and took my time at the line.”
With 44.8 seconds remaining, Reed made two foul shots, putting UConn ahead 61-60. Jeremy Fears Jr. then made two for Michigan State with 32.3 seconds to go. Karaban was fouled with 22.5 seconds left on the clock. He made both ends of a one-and-one, extending UConn’s lead to three points. After Michigan State failed to find a quick shot, Kur Teng missed his 3-point attempt.
A foul was called on the Huskies on the rebound with 4.6 seconds remaining. Carson Cooper made the first for Michigan State, but missed the second. Reed secured the rebound, and his two free throws effectively sealed the victory for UConn.
Michigan State’s Comeback Falls Short
Michigan State (27-8) fought back from an early 19-point deficit. However, the Spartans struggled from beyond the arc, shooting just 4 of 16 from 3-point range. “Give our guys credit. We bounced back and picked away,” Michigan State coach Tom Izzo said. “Our goal in the second half was to play much better. We just kind of wore down.”
Malachi Smith, Solo Ball and Jaylin Stewart combined for four 3-pointers during a 15-1 run that put UConn up 25-6. The Spartans tightened up defensively in the final three minutes to trail 35-27 at halftime. Michigan State scored the first seven points of the second half, but the Huskies responded.
A three-point play by Jaxon Kohler with 10:06 to play put Michigan State up 45-44. UConn then capitalised on a short scoring drought by the Spartans, taking a 56-49 lead. The Huskies led 58-57 when Karaban made a 3.
Elite Eight Awaits
UConn now advances to face top-seeded Duke in the NCAA tournament’s East Region final on Sunday. Duke secured their spot with an 80-75 win over St. John’s.
The four teams that arrived in Washington this week have combined for 13 national titles. Both games on Friday were closely contested.
Karaban is a calming influence, according to Huskies coach Dan Hurley. After a steal and dunk by Reed put UConn back up by six, Hurley began waving his arms wildly at the fans behind his bench, exhorting them to be louder.
UConn’s record now stands at 32-5.