A win is a win, and an ugly win looks just as good in a bracket as a blowout win. Tonight was a night for the Spartans to win ugly against a bigger, more athletic, and more physical Ole Miss Rebels team.
The Spartans were favored by 3.5, but in the early going it looked like Ole Miss might run away with it. Coach Tom Izzo lamented at the half that his team wasn't playing well, and something needed to change.
Michigan State held up their end of the deal in being the best second-half team in the country, and came back for a gritty Sweet 16 victory that brought Tom Izzo to tears at the end of the game.
"I love these guys" π₯Ή
β NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 29, 2025
Tom Izzo gets emotional showing love to his squad after a big comeback win in the Sweet 16 π #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/BABwujnfEb
And if you think Tom Izzo was emotional, just take a look at fans who were along for the ride on tonight's basketball rollercoaster in Atlanta.
This team finds a way to win again!!#Sparty #GoGreen https://t.co/du4Mcwm8pj
β damon thayer (@damon_thayer) March 29, 2025
SPPAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRTTTTTTTTTYY!!!! LETS GOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! π€π€β β πππͺπΎπͺπΎπ€«π€«βοΈβοΈ
β DJ JUSTB (@DJ_JUSTB38) March 29, 2025
WE STILL DANCIN!!!! πΊπ½πΊπ½
#GOGREENGOWHITE #GOGREEN #SPARTY #IZZO #MARCHMADNESS
January, February, Izzo. Letβs freaking go. #Sparty
β Ellie French (@elliefrenchTV) March 29, 2025
What a game by these two !!!
β Ghost (@Zomamba13) March 29, 2025
Sir Trey & J Rich Junior π₯ #Sparty #Elite8 pic.twitter.com/EAZwOKPn8t
And of course, what would a little fan fun be without finding a way to needle the cross-state rivals in maize and blue. Michigan who?
Michigan State beats Ole Miss in the Regional SemiFinals! You're next scUM, that is if you don't choke! ππ #GoGreen #BeatMichigan #Sparty #bigbrother #collegebasketball #NCAATournament #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/XMPlyTrmXJ
β Michigan Sucks (@MichiganSucks8) March 29, 2025
My gosh. We are gonna get Michigan - Michigan State
β Nick Foster (@NickFoster23) March 29, 2025
Michigan-Michigan State Elite Eight rivalry game agenda clearly being pushed here
β Michael Wester II (@mikewazowski_13) March 29, 2025
As mentioned above, the Spartans will take on the winner of tonight's Sweet 16 finale between overall No. 1 seed Auburn and those Wolverines. Not sure if it feels forced, but it sure would feel good to take down Michigan on the way to the Final Four.