EAST LANSING — As the Michigan State Spartans prepare for their upcoming Sweet 16 matchup against Ole Miss, head coach Tom Izzo is emphasizing the need for his team to elevate their performance. The Spartans, who carry a record of 29-6 and are the No. 2 seed in the South Region, are set to face the 6th-seeded Rebels on Friday, March 28, 2025, at 7:09 p.m. in Atlanta's State Farm Arena.
Izzo, who has led his team to the Sweet 16 for the 16th time in his illustrious career, acknowledges the high expectations that come with coaching at Michigan State. "If you’re at Michigan State, everybody expects you to be in the Sweet 16 every year, I know I do," Izzo stated during a media session. However, he also admitted to being somewhat surprised by the team's success this season. "I didn’t know how good we could be. I didn’t know what to expect," he added.
Despite the pressure, the Spartans have shown resilience, notably grinding out a victory against New Mexico to secure their place in the Sweet 16. Izzo remarked, "We grinded. Now it's time to thrive, in order to survive." He emphasized the importance of starting strong and improving their defensive efforts, particularly in the early stages of the game.
The challenge ahead is formidable. Ole Miss has been playing at a high level, recently defeating North Carolina and Iowa State to reach this stage. Their prowess from beyond the arc is particularly concerning for the Spartans, as the Rebels shot nearly 50% from three-point range in their last two games, making 19 of 39 attempts. This statistic underscores the need for Michigan State to tighten their defense.
"We’re talking about how we can do a better job with switching teams," Izzo explained. He is reviewing game tape of other teams that have successfully countered Ole Miss’s strengths. The coach believes that if his team can defend, run, and rebound effectively, they have the potential to compete with any opponent. He added, "If we make shots, we can beat anybody." This sentiment reflects a confident yet cautious approach as they prepare for the physicality that Ole Miss will bring.
Izzo reminisced about a previous encounter with Chris Beard's Texas Tech team, noting that his Spartans were not prepared for the level of toughness they faced during that Final Four matchup six years ago. "His teams are tougher than nails. They defend in a swarming way," he said, highlighting the need for his players to adapt and meet the challenge head-on this time around.
As the Spartans ready themselves for the contest, individual players are stepping up. Coen Carr is showing signs of significant improvement, and Jaden Akins delivered his best offensive performance in weeks against New Mexico. Tre Holloman also bounced back after a less-than-stellar showing in the Big Ten tournament, reminding everyone of his value to the team.
Izzo pointed out that while individual growth is crucial, collective improvement is essential at this stage of the tournament. The players must work together to enhance their defensive strategies and counteract opponents' tactics, particularly when it comes to dealing with double-teams against their star player, Jase Richardson.
In preparation for the upcoming game, Izzo has urged his players to practice their free throws diligently. "We’ve got to be shooting hundreds of free throws at night because I don’t want to lose a game when I know we’re a really good free throw shooting team," he stated, acknowledging that missed opportunities at the line could be costly in high-stakes games.
The Spartans have proven to be a surprising team this season, and even in moments of struggle, Izzo has recognized individual improvements. He expressed a newfound understanding of his team, stating, "I didn’t realize how much they would connect with each other. That was maybe the biggest thing I learned." This connection could be pivotal as they advance further into the tournament.
Looking ahead to the matchup with Ole Miss, the Spartans must harness their collective strengths to overcome the Rebels. Izzo remains optimistic, believing that they have the potential to reach even greater heights as the tournament progresses. “I do think we have a ceiling to get better. That’s the great part about my team,” he remarked.
As the clock ticks down to tipoff, the excitement builds for what promises to be a thrilling encounter. The winner of the Michigan State versus Ole Miss game will advance to the Elite Eight on Sunday, March 30, 2025, in Atlanta, with a coveted spot in the Final Four on the line for April 5, 2025, in San Antonio.
With the stakes higher than ever, the Spartans are focused on rising to the occasion and showcasing their best basketball when it matters most. As they head into this critical game, the team is determined to prove that they are ready for the challenge, ready to elevate their game to the next level.
