CHICAGO - A Close Call for Michigan State and Trey Fort
In the heart of Chicago, Michigan State's Trey Fort found himself at a pivotal moment. Celebrating his 25th birthday wasn't on the agenda as the Spartans faced off against UCLA in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals. Fort, a sixth-year senior who transferred from Samford, hasn't had the standout season he hoped for, but Friday night almost changed that narrative.
With Michigan State struggling to close the gap, Fort became the spark they desperately needed. Scoring eight crucial points in the second half, he kept the Spartans within reach, narrowing the gap to just five points. Despite their efforts, UCLA held firm, edging out an 88-84 victory.
"Everyone took it hard," Fort admitted post-game. "We were thinking about what we could've done differently, those moments of lost focus.
It's tough to look back and think about missed opportunities. Hopefully, this pushes us for a strong run in the NCAA Tournament."
This performance might be the breakout moment Fort and the Spartans have been waiting for. Brought in to fill the gap left by Jaden Akins and Jase Richardson, Fort's season has seen its ups and downs. Injuries and rotations left him on the sidelines, but with Divine Ugochukwu out for the season, his role became critical.
Fort's 13 minutes against UCLA marked a rare double-digit appearance in Big Ten play. After a first-half block, he came alive in the second half.
A 7-0 run led by Kur Teng and Jeremy Fears Jr. was followed by Fort's straightaway 3-pointer, cutting UCLA's lead to seven. Moments later, he sank a mid-range jumper.
Despite UCLA's Donovan Dent leading the charge with 23 points, Fort kept the Spartans in the fight. His second 3-pointer brought the game within five, and he assisted on Jaxon Kohler's 3-pointer, maintaining the pressure. However, a scoring drought hindered their comeback.
"I was ready when the opportunity came," Fort said. "Whether it’s defense or offense, I wanted to contribute and not let my team down."
Fort has shown flashes of brilliance before, notably against Oregon and Minnesota, where his late-game heroics nearly turned the tide. "Being ready is key," he emphasized. "I want to give my team a spark, show them I'm here, and we're united."
With a college career spanning six programs, Fort's experience is invaluable. He recalls a brief stint against MSU in the NCAA Tournament with Mississippi State, a game that ended in disappointment.
Consistency has been elusive for Fort, with promising performances often followed by quiet games. However, if his outing against UCLA is a sign of things to come, the NCAA Tournament could be where he truly shines.
"That's who I am," Fort stated. "I seize every opportunity, whether it’s being a spark or a great teammate. That's my mindset."
As the Spartans look ahead, Fort's readiness and determination could be the key to their success in March Madness.