Buckle up, basketball fans—because a legendary rivalry is heating up on the court! Imagine two powerhouse programs, each with a storied history of dominance, squaring off in a non-conference showdown that promises thrills without the stakes of the regular season. That's the excitement building around the UConn men's basketball team's upcoming exhibition match against Michigan State, and trust me, you won't want to miss the details on how to catch every moment.
But here's where it gets intriguing: while this game won't impact official records, it could reveal early glimpses of what these teams have in store for the year ahead. The UConn men's basketball squad has officially shared the schedule and broadcasting info for their second preseason exhibition clash with the Spartans, set for Thursday, October 28th, at the vibrant PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford.
Locally, fans can tune in to WFSB Channel 3 for live coverage, with the pregame festivities kicking off at 7 p.m.—that's a full half-hour of build-up before the ball tips at 7:30 p.m. For those outside the Connecticut area or preferring digital access, the game will be available via streaming on UConn+ for a one-time fee of just $7.99. It's a convenient way to stay connected, no matter where you are.
And this is the part most people miss: behind the scenes, there's a growing partnership that's enhancing the fan experience. WFSB and The WAX recently teamed up with the UConn athletic department back in September, launching a 30-minute pregame show ahead of every men's and women's basketball home game. This initiative means more Husky highlights and insights right on free, over-the-air television for local viewers, while out-of-state supporters can rely on UConn+ for seamless streaming.
Tom Murphy, General Manager for UConn Sports Properties, summed it up perfectly: 'We've enjoyed a fantastic collaboration with WFSB over the last couple of seasons. We're thrilled to broaden our partnership by including the UConn Men's Basketball exhibition against Michigan State—a epic battle between two of college basketball's most revered programs—and the new pre-game shows on The Wax. This expanded coverage gives local fans unprecedented access to Husky content on free TV, and fans elsewhere can follow along via our UConn+ platform.'
Now, let's dive into the history to set the stage. Although this October 28th matchup won't count in the official standings, the all-time series between UConn and Michigan State stands at a perfect tie through eight previous encounters. Legendary coach Tom Izzo and the Spartans have claimed victory in the last two meetings, including the 2017-18 PK80 tournament and the 2021-22 Battle 4 Atlantis. It's a rivalry that's as balanced as it is intense, with each side pushing the other to new heights.
But here's where it gets controversial: some fans argue that exhibition games like this are just glorified scrimmages, lacking the real pressure of conference play or tournaments. Others see them as crucial tune-ups, helping teams iron out strategies and build chemistry before the season heats up. What if these non-counting contests actually reveal more about a team's true potential than we give them credit for? It's a debate worth pondering—do they truly prepare squads for the grind of March Madness, or are they merely entertaining distractions?
This exhibition is part of a home-and-home arrangement, so keep an eye out for the Huskies' return trip to East Lansing next fall for another friendly battle. Before that, UConn kicks off their preseason with a doubleheader at Mohegan Sun Arena on Monday, facing Boston College in both men's and women's action. The women's game tips at 2 p.m., followed by the men's at 7 p.m., with broadcasts on NBC Sports Boston and Peacock for nationwide viewing.
For a deeper look at what to expect in that first exhibition, check out our related piece on storylines to watch in UConn men's basketball's preseason clash against Boston College.
What are your thoughts on these exhibition games? Do you believe they offer valuable insights into team dynamics, or are they overhyped warm-ups? And how do you feel about the UConn-Michigan State rivalry—will the Huskies even the score this time? Share your opinions in the comments below; I'd love to hear your take and spark some lively discussion!
