The 1985–86 Michigan State Spartans men's basketball team represented Michigan State University in the 1985–86 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The team played their home games at Jenison Field House in East Lansing, Michigan and were members of the Big Ten Conference. They were coached by Jud Heathcote in his 10th year at Michigan State. The Spartans finished with a record of 23–8, 12–6 to finish in third place in Big Ten play. The Spartans received an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament for the second straight year.

As the No. 5 seed in the Midwest region, they defeated Washington and Georgetown to advance to the Sweet Sixteen. There they lost to No. 1-seeded Kansas in Kemper Arena in Kansas City. The game was marred by a time-clock error at the 2:21 mark. With Michigan State leading 76-72, the game was started while the clock did not run, which would extend the game by 15 seconds, despite protests by Heathcote. Kansas would end up winning when they tied the game with 9 seconds remaining in regulation, and then won in overtime, 96-86. The NCAA rules official called it the "most blatant timing error" he had seen in 20 years, adding "they blew it." Kemper Arena upgraded the arena clock after the season.

Previous season The Spartans finished the 1984–85 season with a record of 19–10, 10–8 to finish in fifth place in Big Ten play. They received an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament as a No. 10 seed. There they lost to UAB in the first round.

Roster and statistics 1985–86 Michigan State Spartans men's basketball teamNoNamePosYearHeightPtsRebAst4Scott SkilesGSR6–127.44.46.513Darryl JohnsonGJR6–216.63.34.023Vernon CarrF/GJR6–613.85.40.735Larry PolecFSR6–810.75.71.645Carlton ValentineFSO6–66.03.20.242Todd WolfeG/FFR6–54.01.00.015Ralph WalkerFSR6–82.82.80.440Barry FordhamC/FJR6–82.83.70.424Mark BrownGFR6–02.30.50.834David MuellerF/CFR6–92.11.20.044Scott SekalFFR6–82.00.60.000Keith HillGFR6–42.00.01.055Mario IzzoCFR6–110.51.10.030Jim SarkineFFR6–90.30.40.122Andre RisonGFR6–00.00.20.7 Source

Schedule and results

!colspan=9 style=| Non-conference regular season

!colspan=9 style=| Big Ten regular season

!colspan=9 style=|NCAA Tournament

Awards and honors Scott Skiles – All-Big Ten First Team

References