STAFF REPORT
The Michigan State Spartans are set to face the Ole Miss Rebels in a Sweet 16 matchup of the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. The game is scheduled for Friday, March 28, at 7:09 p.m. ET (6:09 p.m. CT) at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.
It will be broadcast on CBS.
Team Performances: Michigan State Spartans: The Spartans, seeded second in the South Region, enter the game with a 29-6 record. They secured their Sweet 16 berth by defeating Bryant 87-62 and New Mexico 71-63. Key players include Jaden Akins, Tre Holloman, and Frankie Fidler.
Ole Miss Rebels: The sixth-seeded Rebels hold a 24-11 record. They advanced by overcoming North Carolina and Iowa State, with standout performances from Malik Dia, Sean Pedulla, Jaylen Murray, Matthew Murrell, and Jaemyn Brakefield.
Key Factors:
Defensive Strategies: Both teams emphasize defense. Michigan State is known for its strong defensive stats, limiting opponents to 27.8% shooting from beyond the arc. Ole Miss, however, excels in three-point shooting, boasting a 49% success rate. This contrast sets the stage for an intriguing battle between defense and offense.
Rebounding Battle: Rebounding could be pivotal, as Ole Miss has shown inconsistencies in this area. The Rebels will need strong performances on the offensive glass from players like Malik Dia and Dre Davis to counter Michigan State’s rebounding prowess.
Coaching Experience: Michigan State’s Tom Izzo brings extensive tournament experience, having led the Spartans to multiple Final Fours. Ole Miss’s Chris Beard, in his first Sweet 16 appearance with the Rebels, will rely on his coaching acumen to navigate this high-pressure game.
LARRY ARREGUIN