Spartan Avenue
Fansided

3 key advantages Michigan State basketball has over Ole Miss

ByConnor Muldowney|
Mar 23, 2025; Cleveland, OH, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo reacts in the first half against the New Mexico Lobos during the NCAA Tournament Second Round at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Mar 23, 2025; Cleveland, OH, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo reacts in the first half against the New Mexico Lobos during the NCAA Tournament Second Round at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

After beating Bryant and New Mexico, Michigan State basketball is headed to the Sweet 16 for the second time in three years and the 16th time under Tom Izzo.

Michigan State has earned a matchup with Ole Miss and head coach Chris Beard. The Rebels are a scrappy team from the SEC and should be one of the toughest matchups Michigan State has had all year, but the Spartans are no strangers to scrapping their way to a win.

But what advantages do the Spartans have against the Rebels? I recently came across a list of comparisons between the two teams, and Michigan State should be in good shape.

For reference, Justin Thind put together a comprehensive look at the advantages and disadvantages that Michigan State has against Ole Miss.

Here are the three key advantages that could lead Michigan State past Ole Miss.

1. Bench points

This one isn't included on the list above, but it's one of the biggest advantages that Michigan State has heading into this game. The Spartans are fifth in the country in bench points per game (34.5) while Ole Miss is down at 145 with 20.9 points per game.

Michigan State has 10 guys who average 10-plus points per game and 12 who could legitimately play while Ole Miss has nine guys who average at least 10 minutes.

The bench quality is evident by the difference in production and Michigan State holds the heavy advantage there. Plus, Ole Miss may be down a role player.

2. Rebounding

The only category I've included from the above list is the Spartans' rebounding. Michigan State dominates both offensive and defensive rebounding percentages and it is also No. 17 in the country in rebounds per game while Ole Miss is 339th. This distinct advantage should be huge for the Spartans because it could lead to second-chance points and fast-break points, too.

3. Fast-break points

Speaking of fast-break points, Michigan State ranks third nationally at over 20 points per game coming on the fast break while Ole Miss averages just over 10 per game which is only 115th.

If Michigan State gets out and runs and rebounds the way it has all season, the Rebels aren't going to be able to stop the Spartans. It feels like every Ole Miss weakness is a Michigan State strength which, on paper, makes this a bad matchup for the Rebels.

Let's hope this translates to a win for Michigan State.

Home/Spartans Basketball