Michigan State scrapped its way to the Elite Eight with a 73-70 win over Ole Miss on Friday night. Jaden Akins’ runner in the lane with 1:27 to go gave the No. 2 Spartans a two-point advantage as the two teams traded the lead multiple times over the final eight minutes.

Jase Richardson scored a game-high 20 points to lead Michigan State to a come-from-behind win over Ole Miss and a spot in the Elite Eight.

Michigan State is one win away from a ninth Final Four appearance in the 70-year-old’s 30-year tenure. If the Spartans can get by top-seeded Auburn or rival Michigan in the Elite Eight, Izzo will join Roy Williams, ranking fourth all-time in Final Four appearances, behind only Mike Krzyzewski (13), John Wooden (12) and Dean Smith (11).

For the 16th time during his 30 seasons as head coach of Michigan State basketball, Tom Izzo and his Spartans have advanced to the Sweet 16 round of March Madness. Izzo and his teams are 10-5 in Sweet 16 play of the NCAA tournament, and their victories include a 75-58 win over Syracuse on their way to a national championship in 2000.

Michigan State is moving on. After a nailbiter of a 73-70 win over the Ole Miss Rebels in the Sweet 16 on Friday night, the Spartans are advancing in the 2025 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.