EAST LANSING, Mich. (Interstat) — A pivotal Big Ten men’s basketball clash awaits Tuesday night as the Michigan State Spartans host the UCLA Bruins at the Breslin Center, with both teams looking to rebound from decisive weekend road losses. The Spartans (20-5, 11-3 Big Ten), firmly in the conference title hunt, were handed their most lopsided defeat of the season, 92-71, at Wisconsin on Friday. Despite the loss, sophomore point guard Jeremy Fears continued his remarkable playmaking run with 14 points and 12 assists, his fourth double-double in his last five games. Over that stretch, Fears is averaging 22.2 points and 12.0 assists, orchestrating one of the nation’s most efficient offenses. The visiting Bruins (17-8, 9-5), now unranked, are reeling from an 86-56 throttling at Michigan on Saturday. UCLA’s offense stalled completely, shooting just 34% from the field. Guard Trent Perry, the team’s consistent scoring threat, managed 14 points but will need a far more robust performance for an upset. Perry has averaged 16.1 points over his last seven contests, including a 25-point effort in a double-overtime loss to Indiana. This matchup features a stark contrast in momentum. Michigan State has won 13 of its last 15 and remains dominant at home with a 12-1 record this season. UCLA’s road form has been inconsistent, with the Bruins alternating wins and losses in their last six away games. The Spartans will rely on Fears’ penetration and the interior presence of Coen Carr, who is coming off a 19-point performance against Wisconsin. UCLA must rediscover its defensive identity, which had keyed a five-game win streak prior to the Michigan defeat, and find secondary scoring beyond Perry to ease the burden. Tuesday’s result will significantly impact the upper tier of the Big Ten standings. A Michigan State win keeps pressure on the league leaders, while a UCLA victory would provide a critical resume boost and steady a listing ship. Tip-off is scheduled for 9 p.m. EST. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.