UCLA Bruins Edge Michigan State Spartans 88-84
Friday, March 13, 2026, 9:00 PM ET · United Center
UCLA Bruins 88, Michigan State Spartans 84, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won UCLA Bruins vs Michigan State Spartans?
UCLA Bruins beat Michigan State Spartans 88-84 at United Center on March 13, 2026.
Who was favored in UCLA Bruins vs Michigan State Spartans?
Michigan State Spartans were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -230 (about 70% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling encounter at the United Center, the UCLA Bruins narrowly defeated the Michigan State Spartans with a final score of 88-84. This matchup was significant as it featured two teams with strong records, with Michigan State entering the game with a home record of 25-7 and UCLA holding a record of 23-10. The result marks a notable victory for UCLA, especially considering their recent form, which has seen them win three consecutive games leading up to this contest.
Both teams came into this game with contrasting recent performances. Michigan State had a record of 6-4 in their last ten games, with an average of 77.2 points scored and 76.7 points allowed. Their last five games showed a slight improvement, with a record of 4-1 and an average of 78.0 points scored against 75.0 points allowed. However, they were coming off a loss to the Michigan Wolverines, which may have impacted their confidence heading into this matchup. On the other hand, UCLA was riding a wave of momentum, boasting a record of 7-3 in their last ten games and an impressive average of 77.2 points scored while allowing only 72.0 points. Their recent form included a dominant victory over the Rutgers Scarlet Knights just a day prior to this game.
When considering their home and away performances, Michigan State had a strong home record of 4-1 in their last five games, while UCLA struggled with a 1-3 record in their away games during the same span. This discrepancy added an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup, as Michigan State aimed to leverage their home advantage.
The two teams had met previously twice in the current season, with each team winning one game. Michigan State had previously defeated UCLA 82-59 at home on February 18, 2026, while UCLA had edged out Michigan State 63-61 in an earlier matchup on February 5, 2025. This history added to the stakes of the game, with both teams eager to assert their dominance.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details on the injury status of key players for either team, which can often play a crucial role in the outcome of such tightly contested games. However, the absence of any major injuries would typically suggest that both teams were at or near full strength for this critical matchup.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Michigan State favored by 5.5 points with a total set at 141.5. The odds reflected a competitive matchup, indicating that while Michigan State was expected to perform well at home, the Bruins' recent form made them a formidable opponent.
Conditions at the United Center were likely conducive to a high-scoring affair, with both teams capable of putting up significant points. The scoring plays in the second half highlighted the back-and-forth nature of the contest, with UCLA managing to pull ahead in the closing moments. Key moments included Jeremy Fears Jr. making crucial free throws and Brandon Williams scoring a layup that extended UCLA's lead.
As the game progressed, it became clear that both teams were playing with intensity, and the lead changed hands multiple times. Ultimately, UCLA's ability to execute under pressure, particularly in the final minutes, proved decisive. The Bruins' victory not only showcased their resilience but also highlighted the competitive nature of NCAA basketball, where any team can emerge victorious on any given night.
Fans watching this game were treated to a showcase of talent and determination from both sides, with UCLA's recent form and momentum ultimately tipping the scales in their favor. As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on this experience, with Michigan State aiming to bounce back from this defeat and UCLA looking to maintain their winning streak.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MSU -5.5 | 141.5 o -112 / u -108 | UCLA Bruins +190 · Michigan State Spartans -230 |
Leaders
- PointsJeremy Fears Jr.21Michigan State Spartans
- AssistsJeremy Fears Jr.13Michigan State Spartans
- ReboundsCoen Carr8Michigan State Spartans
- PointsDonovan Dent23UCLA Bruins
- AssistsDonovan Dent12UCLA Bruins
- ReboundsEric Dailey Jr.10UCLA Bruins
Recent form
Michigan State Spartans
Last 10: 6-4Streak L177.2 scored · 76.7 allowed per game4-1 at home
- L80-90at Michigan WolverinesMar 8
- W91-87vs Rutgers Scarlet KnightsMar 6
- W77-64at Indiana HoosiersMar 1
- W76-74at Purdue BoilermakersFeb 27
- W66-60vs Ohio State BuckeyesFeb 22
- W82-59vs UCLA BruinsFeb 18
- L71-92at Wisconsin BadgersFeb 14
- W85-82vs Illinois Fighting IlliniFeb 8
- L73-76at Minnesota Golden GophersFeb 5
- L71-83vs Michigan WolverinesJan 31
UCLA Bruins
Last 10: 7-3Streak W377.2 scored · 72 allowed per game1-3 away
- W72-59vs Rutgers Scarlet KnightsMar 13
- W89-68at USC TrojansMar 8
- W72-52vs Nebraska CornhuskersMar 4
- L73-78at Minnesota Golden GophersFeb 28
- W81-62vs USC TrojansFeb 25
- W95-94vs Illinois Fighting IlliniFeb 22
- L59-82at Michigan State SpartansFeb 18
- L56-86at Michigan WolverinesFeb 14
- W77-73vs Washington HuskiesFeb 8
- W98-66vs Rutgers Scarlet KnightsFeb 4
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 37-3 | - | 19-1 |
| Nebraska | 28-7 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Michigan State | 27-8 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Illinois | 28-9 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Wisconsin | 24-11 | 5 | 14-6 |
| Purdue | 30-9 | 6 | 13-7 |
| UCLA | 24-12 | 6 | 13-7 |
| Ohio State | 21-13 | 7 | 12-8 |
| Iowa | 24-13 | 9 | 10-10 |
| Indiana | 18-14 | 10 | 9-11 |
| Minnesota | 15-18 | 11 | 8-12 |
| USC | 18-14 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Washington | 16-17 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Rutgers | 14-20 | 13 | 6-14 |
| Northwestern | 15-19 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Oregon | 12-20 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Maryland | 12-21 | 15 | 4-16 |
| Penn State | 12-20 | 16 | 3-17 |
Box score
| Stat | UCLA Bruins | Michigan State Spartans |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 30-54 | 28-62 |
| Field goal % | 56 | 45 |
| Three-pointers | 13-27 | 11-23 |
| Three-point % | 48 | 48 |
| Free throws | 15-19 | 17-22 |
| Free throw % | 79 | 77 |
| Rebounds | 26 | 34 |
| Offensive rebounds | 6 | 16 |
| Defensive rebounds | 20 | 18 |
| Assists | 20 | 24 |
| Steals | 12 | 3 |
| Blocks | 3 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 8 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 10 | 7 |
| Fast-break points | 10 | 10 |
| Points in the paint | 24 | 30 |
| Fouls | 21 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 15 | 4 |
| Lead changes | 2 | 2 |
| Time in front | 83 | 7 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half54-46Jeremy Fears Jr. makes driving layup (Jaxon Kohler assists)
- 2nd Half56-46Eric Dailey Jr. makes 18-foot jumper (Trent Perry assists)
- 2nd Half56-49Trey Fort makes 27-foot three point jumper (Jaxon Kohler assists)
- 2nd Half58-49Donovan Dent makes driving layup
- 2nd Half58-51Trey Fort makes 10-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half60-51Donovan Dent makes 6-foot floating jump shot (Eric Dailey Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half61-51Donovan Dent makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half61-53Coen Carr makes 1-foot dunk
- 2nd Half63-53Skyy Clark makes 11-foot pullup jump shot (Donovan Dent assists)
- 2nd Half63-55Coen Carr makes 1-foot dunk (Jeremy Fears Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half63-58Trey Fort makes 24-foot three point jumper (Coen Carr assists)
- 2nd Half66-58Skyy Clark makes 23-foot three point jumper (Donovan Dent assists)
- 2nd Half66-61Jaxon Kohler makes 24-foot three point jumper (Trey Fort assists)
- 2nd Half69-61Trent Perry makes 23-foot three point jumper (Donovan Dent assists)
- 2nd Half71-61Donovan Dent makes 10-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half72-61Brandon Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-63Coen Carr makes 0-foot dunk (Jeremy Fears Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half75-63Trent Perry makes 23-foot three point jumper (Donovan Dent assists)
- 2nd Half75-64Carson Cooper makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half75-65Carson Cooper makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half75-68Jordan Scott makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jeremy Fears Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half75-70Jeremy Fears Jr. makes 10-foot floating jump shot (Jordan Scott assists)
- 2nd Half75-71Jeremy Fears Jr. makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half78-71Skyy Clark makes 23-foot three point jumper (Trent Perry assists)
- 2nd Half78-73Carson Cooper makes 1-foot alley oop dunk
- 2nd Half79-73Donovan Dent makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half80-73Donovan Dent makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half80-75Jeremy Fears Jr. makes driving layup (Jordan Scott assists)
- 2nd Half80-78Kur Teng makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jeremy Fears Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half81-78Trent Perry makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half82-78Trent Perry makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half82-79Jeremy Fears Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half82-80Jeremy Fears Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half84-80Brandon Williams makes layup (Skyy Clark assists)
- 2nd Half84-82Carson Cooper makes layup (Jeremy Fears Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half85-82Trent Perry makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half86-82Trent Perry makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half86-84Jeremy Fears Jr. makes driving layup
- 2nd Half87-84Trent Perry makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half88-84Trent Perry makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Michigan State Spartans, below favours UCLA Bruins.
Venue
- United CenterChicago, IL
- Attendance18238
- OfficialsMike Littlewood, Paul Szelc, Jeff Anderson
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond
Picks for NCAAB
NCAAB rules and settlement
These two, other days
- UCLA Bruins Defeat Michigan State Spartans 28-10Oct 24, 2026
- Michigan State Dominates UCLA in Convincing WinFeb 17, 2026
- UCLA Bruins Defeat Michigan State Spartans 38-13Oct 11, 2025