UConn Beats Michigan State as Fears Scores 23 in Exhibition

UConn defeated Michigan State in a men's basketball exhibition on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, Michigan, as the Huskies showcased their offensive depth ahead of the regular season. Nik Khamenia led UConn with 19 points, while Michigan State's Jeremy Fears Jr. delivered 23 points and eight assists despite a brief injury scare.

According to the game report published by CT Insider, Khamenia also collected six rebounds and scored a decisive spinning teardrop jumper with just over a minute remaining. Silas Demary Jr. contributed 16 points and four assists, while freshman Colben Landrew added 13 points and five rebounds.

UConn's second-half execution proved particularly effective. The Huskies shot 57 percent from the field, making 16 of 28 attempts, and converted six of 12 three-pointers over the final 20 minutes. They recorded 13 assists on 16 second-half field goals and finished with 21 assists on 27 made baskets, according to CT Insider.

The Huskies also limited Michigan State to 40 percent shooting overall and three three-pointers on 20 attempts. However, UConn made only 14 of 22 free throws, and its starting center fouled out for the second consecutive game.

UConn coach Dan Hurley characterized the matchup as preparation for the challenges ahead, with both programs using the exhibition to assess their readiness before the season begins.

Hurley described the contest as "High-level sparring," reflecting the physical play and competitive atmosphere at the Breslin Center.

The coach compared the teams' preparations to fighters building toward a major contest later in the year.

"It was like two boxers that are getting ready for a major fight that starts in November for both of us," Hurley said. "Today was like two boxers sparring in the gym."

Hurley also praised the matchup between Demary and Fears, two point guards with potential All-American credentials. Although Fears posted the stronger individual statistical line, UConn came away with the victory.

"It's so valuable for Fears and Silas to have that type of matchup in October," Hurley said. "It was high-level, two of the best point guards in the country, potential All-Americans. Silas was awesome, in a hard matchup. Their ball-screen defense is great, and Fears is a heck of a player."

The coach said the absence of injured guard Braylon Mullins prompted UConn to emphasize movement, passing and offensive execution without relying as heavily on ball screens, roll actions or post-ups.

"Braylon is such a prolific player," Hurley said, "him not being available forced us to cut better, work on execution and our shuffles and twirls, the things we do to put pressure on the rim without ball screen and roll or post-up."

Hurley acknowledged that the Huskies still had work to do, particularly with turnovers and their execution late in the game. He also said the team needed Mullins to become healthier and indicated that Solo Ball might return later.

"I was pleasantly surprised with how we held up," Hurley said. "We've got areas we've got to improve upon. We turned it over, we didn't close the game out well. We've got to get a little healthier with Braylon Mullins, and possibly Solo (Ball) later."

He also explained why winning preseason exhibitions could matter for the team's confidence.

"You're just trying to plant a seed," Hurley added. "Winning these exhibition things was beneficial for us last year. It gave us confidence from that game."

Fears' performance included a concerning moment early in the second half. According to the report published by Yahoo Sports, the 6-foot-2 Michigan State point guard landed hard on Landrew while attempting a driving layup with 17:53 remaining. He grabbed his lower left leg and ankle before getting up and leaving the court for treatment.

The injury scare proved brief. Fears returned to the game with 15:44 left after receiving attention from the training staff, while Michigan State coach Tom Izzo instructed him to take it easy. Earlier, Fears had produced an emphatic tomahawk dunk over Landrew in the first half.

Landrew, meanwhile, continued to make an impression in his first season with the Huskies. The freshman credited his defensive improvement and physical approach for helping his offensive performance.

"I think I took a bigger step, I did pretty well," Landrew said. "I played more physical and guarded better. I was more alert.

It started with defense. Defense helps my offense."

UConn also received nine points from Nils Machowski and eight from Na'jai Hines, who fouled out after returning to the starting lineup. Freshman Junior County made a three-pointer and recorded three assists in 17 minutes, while Oskar Giltay grabbed six rebounds, including four on the offensive glass.

Hurley said the team's young players had continued to develop during practice, highlighting their composure and readiness to contribute.

"I feel like our freshmen continue to grow and improve," Khamenis said. "We see it in practices every single day. As freshmen, it's super-cool to see how composed and poised they are and how ready they are to play every game."

UConn entered the preseason ranked No. 2 behind South Carolina in the first Associated Press poll of the season. The exhibition against Michigan State provided another opportunity to evaluate its depth while Mullins remained sidelined.