ATLANTA — Ole Miss basketball's first Elite Eight appearance will have to wait. The No. 6 seed Rebels (24-12) lost to No. 2 seed Michigan State (30-6) 73-70 in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament on Friday night at State Farm Arena.
In a thrilling contest that showcased the resilience of both teams, Ole Miss guard Sean Pedulla led the charge for the Rebels, scoring a game-high 24 points. His performance was crucial as he matched Michigan State’s Jase Richardson, who also found the net for 20 points. The game was tightly contested, with the lead changing hands multiple times, but ultimately, it was the Spartans who emerged victorious.
The Rebels started strong, building a lead as large as 10 points in the first half. They shot an impressive 45 percent from the field, forcing Michigan State into eight turnovers. By halftime, Ole Miss held a slim lead, shooting 13-for-31 from the floor and 4-for-14 from three-point range, while entering the locker room ahead by just two points.
As the second half unfolded, Michigan State managed to stretch its lead to 53-50, their biggest of the night. However, a timely three-pointer from Pedulla tied the game with under two minutes remaining, setting the stage for a nail-biting finish. Despite the Rebels' efforts, they couldn’t capitalize on their momentum and were edged out in the final moments.
Matthew Murrell contributed significantly to Ole Miss's efforts, adding 13 points, while Malik Dia chipped in with 11. The Rebels had a strong showing but ultimately fell short in their quest for the Elite Eight.
Michigan State's Jase Richardson was a key player for the Spartans, scoring 20 points and helping his team maintain composure during critical stretches of the game. Coen Carr also played a vital role, contributing 15 points as Michigan State advanced to the next round.
The game, which took place on March 28, 2025, at 6:09 p.m. CT, was broadcast nationally on CBS and drew significant attention as both teams vied for a coveted spot in the next stage of the tournament. With Michigan State favored by 2.5 points, the matchup lived up to expectations, providing fans with a thrilling spectacle.
As Ole Miss exits the tournament, they will reflect on a season that saw them reach the Sweet 16 for only the second time in program history. The Rebels have made a total of 10 NCAA tournament appearances, with their deepest run dating back to 2001.
Looking ahead, the Spartans continue their quest for a national championship, a title they last claimed in 2000, with their storied history in NCAA tournaments including 38 appearances and two national championships.
Both teams showcased their strengths throughout the game, with Ole Miss averaging 77 points per game this season and Michigan State slightly ahead at 78.2 points per game. The Rebels were ranked 26th in the KenPom rankings, while the Spartans held the seventh position, underscoring the competitive nature of the matchup.
In the wake of the game, Ole Miss head coach Chris Beard praised his team’s effort and resilience, stating, "We fought hard and showed what we’re capable of. I’m proud of our guys for reaching this point and for how they represented our program this season."
As the dust settles on this Sweet 16 clash, fans and analysts alike will be left to ponder what could have been for Ole Miss, while Michigan State looks forward to continuing their journey in the NCAA tournament. The excitement of March Madness continues, and with it, the promise of more unforgettable moments on the hardwood.
With the NCAA tournament still in full swing, all eyes will be on the upcoming matchups as teams battle for a chance at glory. For Ole Miss, the focus will shift to regrouping and preparing for next season, while Michigan State aims to capitalize on their momentum as they advance further into the tournament.
As the tournament progresses, fans will be eagerly anticipating which team will rise to the occasion and claim the coveted national title. Will Michigan State continue their winning ways, or will another team emerge as a formidable contender? Only time will tell in this unpredictable and thrilling tournament.
