HARTFORD — In a preseason matchup that tested patience as much as game rhythm, UConn held off Michigan State, 76–69, on Tuesday night inside the newly refurbished PeoplesBank Arena. What was billed as a tune-up felt more like a free-throw showcase, with both benches visibly frustrated by the constant stoppages and extended whistle count.
In an unusual pregame agreement, both coaching staffs signed off on allowing each player six personal fouls — one more than standard NCAA rules — to keep rotations active in the preseason. That cushion didn’t help much. Less than three minutes into the second half, both of UConn’s primary frontcourt options had already picked up four fouls, leaving head coach Dan Hurley scrambling for alternatives.
With starting center Tarris Reed Jr. still nursing a hamstring issue, Hurley pivoted to a smaller lineup anchored by forward Alex Karaban at center. The shift quickly paid dividends. UConn opened the floor, sharpened ball movement and stretched an eight-point edge into a lead that swelled to 19. Karaban and guard Solo Ball each scored 18 points, while Jayden Ross added 13 efficient points off the bench. Georgia transfer Silas Demary Jr. chipped in nine despite juggling foul trouble of his own.
“We played with energy,” Hurley said afterward. “But we have to stay disciplined. The fouls are something we need to address.”
The numbers told the story: UConn was tagged with 34 personal fouls, sending Michigan State to the line 44 times, where the Spartans connected on 30 attempts. The Huskies answered with 22 makes on 30 trips. The whistle-heavy affair stretched to nearly two and a half hours.
Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo, half-smiling, suggested a baseball solution.
“A pitch clock might’ve helped,” he joked. “We were both laughing on the sideline. It dragged on.”
Forward Dwayne Koroma offered the evening’s most head-scratching stat line, fouling out in just 10 minutes — even with the additional foul allowance.
“He was a battering ram today,” Hurley admitted. “I’ve got to watch the film to figure out exactly what he was doing, but I love his motor.”
Foul trouble is not a foreign storyline for UConn. Last season, the Huskies often put opponents on the line more than they wanted to, something Hurley has pointed to as a technique issue rather than effort.
“We’re more active defensively than last year,” Hurley said. “But 10 or 12 of those fouls were avoidable. That’s coaching.”
Izzo agreed that this preseason has produced more whistles across the board, with officials instructed to tighten contact standards.
For the Spartans, Jeremy Fears Jr. led with 14 points, while high-flier Coen Carr — known for highlight dunks — was held to 11 points and zero aerial moments thanks to UConn’s disciplined help defense.
The Huskies carried a 44–33 lead into halftime after a first half that featured 28 fouls and 38 free throws. Ball led all UConn scorers at the break with 12 points.
Depth also became a storyline. Five-star freshman guard Braylon Mullins is expected to miss approximately six weeks with an ankle injury, giving Ross, Jaylin Stewart and freshman Jacob Furphy meaningful early minutes. Stewart earned the starting nod, but Ross was the most productive among the trio.
While the contest does not count toward the programs’ official all-time series — currently tied at four wins each — both teams will meet again next fall in an exhibition in East Lansing.
Hurley embraced the chance to coach against Izzo, one of the sport’s most respected tacticians.
“I’ve learned a lot watching him over the years,” Hurley said. “Being able to get a preseason game against a legend means a lot to our program.”
For UConn, the night offered a look at improved defensive energy, promising depth pieces — and an ongoing challenge that remains unsolved: avoiding unnecessary whistles.