Lansing Sun

Michigan State University faced a narrow defeat against UCLA in a basketball game at Pauley Pavilion on Tuesday night. The Spartans, ranked ninth, fell to the Bruins with a final score of 63-61 after trailing by as many as 11 points in the second half.

Jaden Akins led Michigan State with 15 points and four rebounds. Jaxon Kohler contributed eight points and seven rebounds, while Jeremy Fears Jr. added six points, six rebounds, and five assists.

The game was tightly contested in the closing minutes. After tying the game at 54-all with free throws from Cooper, there were four ties and lead changes before Akins' layup gave MSU its last lead at 59-58. UCLA's Lazar Stefanovic hit a three-pointer to regain the lead for his team, followed by Eric Dailey Jr.'s jumper securing victory for UCLA.

Michigan State struggled offensively during parts of the game, shooting only 37.7% from the floor and committing 16 turnovers leading to 19 points for UCLA. Despite having a rebounding advantage of 45-27, they could not convert it into enough scoring opportunities.

The Spartans have now lost two consecutive games for the first time this season and stand at an overall record of 18-4 with a conference record of 9-2. They are scheduled to face Oregon next at their home venue on February 9.