MSU basketball bounces back, dominates UCLA in blowout win

Michigan State basketball took out some of its recent frustrations out on a good UCLA team on Tuesday night.

The Spartans simply dominated a NCAA Tournament quality team in UCLA on Tuesday, winning by the final score of 82-59 from the Breslin Center. Michigan State came into this game in the midst of slump, with losses in three of their last four games, including a 20-plus point loss at Wisconsin last Friday. But there was simply no signs of a slump for the Spartans on Tuesday, putting forth an impressive dominant performance.

Michigan State put on an incredible defensive display in the first half, that led to a 20-point advantage at the break. The game started off tight and back-and-forth, but then the Spartans put the defensive clamps down, holding UCLA scoreless for eight minutes. That led to an 18-0 run, which fueled the 43-23 Spartans lead at halftime.

Things didn't get better for UCLA in the second half, as Michigan State never let their lead go any lower than 16 points, and leading by as many as 31 points in the blowout win.

Michigan State got stellar performances from a number of players, with six different Spartans scoring nine or more points in the win. Jeremy Fears Jr. and Coen Carr ended the night leading the Spartans in scoring with 16 points each. Fears Jr. also recorded 10 assists for another double-double on the year.

With the victory over UCLA, Michigan State improves to 21-5 overall and 11-4 in Big Ten play this year. UCLA will fall to 17-9 overall and 9-6 in Big Ten games this year with the defeat.

Michigan State will play a second straight home game, with Ohio State set to come to the Breslin Center on Sunday. Tipoff for this matchup between the Spartans and Buckeyes is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET and will be televised on CBS.

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This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Michigan State basketball bounces back, dominates UCLA in blowout win