Michigan State basketball takes the floor on Sunday night with a trip to the Sweet 16 on the line and the Spartans will need to play another complete game in order to get past New Mexico.
The Lobos are one of the best teams from the mid-major level and they're coached by a familiar face in Richard Pitino who spent years at Minnesota before getting fired. He landed on his feet at New Mexico and has had success ever since. He may have found the perfect spot for himself.
Tom Izzo is looking forward to this matchup against Pitino and it should be a good one.
What could make this battle in Cleveland even more intriguing? How about the 2000 National Championship throwback jerseys? Well, that's exactly what the Spartans will be wearing on Sunday night as they take the floor against the Lobos, looking for a second Sweet 16 berth in three years.
Tonight's uniforms: ⚪️ pic.twitter.com/d79NQGzhYX
— Michigan State Men's Basketball (@MSU_Basketball) March 23, 2025
Fans obviously love this look because it's nostalgic and it brings back good memories of Mateen Cleaves dancing as the time winds down on a national title win in 2000. It's definitely a vibe improver and it's going to have that effect on Sunday night against a strong New Mexico team.
While the Lobos are just a 10-seed, they play much stronger than that. They're talented and they have the Mountain West Player of the Year.
The Spartans will have their work cut out for them on Sunday night if they want to make their second Sweet 16 in the past three years, but this team feels different. Sweet 16 should be the minimum expectations for this squad. Let's get it done.