Michigan State basketball was back in action on Tuesday night, taking on UConn in an exhibition affair in East Lansing. The game between the Spartans and the Huskies proved to be a strong measuring stick for both teams as they gear up for the 2026-27 season.

In the matchup, it was UConn that looked like the better team, controlling the majority of the game en route to a 78-70 victory.

While only an exhibition, Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo was not pleased with the Spartans effort and physicality in the game. The performance will now give the Spartans head man something to really dig into his team on, and start the process of building towards a championship season. 

After this tough exhibition, take a look at our three takeaways from the game:

1. Questions at the center spot

Another season, another year of wondering what Michigan State is going to do at the center position. The Spartans played three centers on Tuesday, starting Charlotte transfer Anton Bonke, while cycling in Jesse McCulloch and true freshman Ethan Taylor. The one thing that was apparent, there are a lot of questions at the position.

UConn head coach Dan Hurley even mentioned these issues, stating, "They have everything you need to be a national championship contender. Just right now, they gotta figure out that center spot."

On the day, the three scored 15 points with nine rebounds, playing 37 of the 40 minutes.

2. Defensive prowess

One thing that has been a constant, and looks like it is going to be a constant again, is the Spartans elite defense. Despite some struggles offensively, the MSU defense stayed as strong as they ever have. With a deep bench as well, the team will be able to stay fresh while keeping their defensive output at a very high level.

Piggybacking the center spot, finding a defensive anchor to go with the strong 1-4 play the Spartans have will propel this team to a top 10 defense in America.

3. Offensive kinks

Jeremy Fears and Jasiah Jervis looked strong, but everyone else, it was a struggle on the offensive side of the floor. Whether it was tough getting into their sets, or tough shooting the ball, it did not look pretty on that end of the floor. Now, credit to a stellar UConn defense, but Michigan State showed they have a ton of kinks they need to work out if they are going to get where they need to be.

On the day, the team shot 21-for-53 (39.6%) from the field, while a measly 3-for-20 (15%) from three point land. They also turned the ball over 12 times.