The NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16 is in full swing, and tonight’s clash between the Michigan State Spartans and the Ole Miss Rebels has college basketball fans on the edge of their seats. This high-stakes matchup, featuring Michigan State basketball and Ole Miss basketball, is taking place at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, with a spot in the Elite Eight on the line. Here’s everything you need to know about the Michigan State vs. Ole Miss game, including live updates, key players to watch, and more.
Unlock Your Viewing Options: Where to Watch Michigan State Spartans Men’s Basketball vs. Ole Miss Basketball
For those wondering where to watch Michigan State Spartans men’s basketball vs. Ole Miss basketball, the game is airing live on CBS. Tip-off was at 7:09 p.m. ET (4:39 a.m. IST), and fans can also stream the action on platforms like Hulu, fuboTV, and Sling, ensuring you don’t miss a second of this thrilling Ole Miss vs. Mi State battle.
Halftime Update: Ole Miss Edges Out Michigan State
As of halftime, the score stands at Ole Miss 33, Michigan State 31, according to posts on X. The Rebels took an early lead, showcasing their athleticism and forcing turnovers, but the Spartans fought back with a late flurry of three-point shooting. MSU basketball struggled initially, with seven turnovers leading to nine points for Ole Miss, but they closed the gap by making four of their last five three-pointers. Sean Pedulla, a standout for Ole Miss, leads his team with eight points despite spending much of the half on the bench due to foul trouble. For Michigan State, Jase Richardson has been a key contributor, helping the Spartans stay within striking distance.
The Matchup: Michigan State vs Ole Miss Breakdown
This MSU vs. Ole Miss game pits two powerhouse programs against each other, each led by a coaching legend. Michigan State, under Tom Izzo, is making its 16th Sweet 16 appearance, a testament to the program’s storied history. The Spartans (29-6) advanced after a hard-fought 71-63 win over New Mexico, relying on their depth and defensive prowess. Meanwhile, Ole Miss basketball, coached by Chris Beard, is in uncharted territory—this is only their second Sweet 16 appearance, the first since 2001. The Rebels (24-11) have been a surprise in the tournament, taking down North Carolina 71-64 and then dominating Iowa State 91-78.
The Ole Miss-Michigan State matchup is a clash of styles. Michigan State basketball is known for its elite perimeter defense, allowing opponents to shoot just 24% from three in the tournament so far. On the other hand, Ole Miss has been red-hot from beyond the arc, hitting 49% of their three-pointers across their first two games. This contrast sets the stage for a fascinating battle between MSU’s defense and Ole Miss’s sharpshooting.
Key Players to Watch: Sean Pedulla and More
For Ole Miss, Sean Pedulla has been a revelation. The junior guard is averaging 15.2 points per game this season and has been on fire in the tournament, scoring 20 points in each of the Rebels’ first two games. Pedulla’s ability to shoot from deep—he’s made 83 threes this year—will test Michigan State’s top-ranked three-point defense. However, with two fouls already, his time on the court may be limited, which could shift the momentum.
On the Michigan State side, Jase Richardson has been a player to watch. After a rough outing against New Mexico (1-for-10 shooting), he’s expected to bounce back, especially given Ole Miss’s struggles defending the three. The Spartans also have an edge on the boards, with players like Jaxon Kohler likely to exploit Ole Miss’s poor rebounding stats—the Rebels rank 313th in offensive rebounding.
Michigan State vs Ole Miss Prediction: Who Will Advance?
The Michigan State vs. Ole Miss prediction has been a hot topic among analysts. Vegas has the Spartans as 3.5-point favorites, with a money line of Michigan State -177 and Ole Miss +148, according to CBSSports.com. The over/under is set at 144.5 points, suggesting a close, high-scoring game. Some experts, like those at The Clarion Ledger, predict a nail-biter, with Michigan State edging out Ole Miss 79-78, citing the Spartans’ statistical edge. However, others, like Christian Odjakjian at OddsChecker, are backing Ole Miss to pull off the upset, pointing to their offensive firepower and Chris Beard’s tournament experience.
The Michigan State game could hinge on a few key factors: turnovers and rebounding. Ole Miss ranks fourth nationally in turnover margin, which has given them an edge in forcing mistakes, as seen in the first half. But Michigan State’s rebounding advantage—ranking 14th in total rebounding margin—could allow them to control the glass and limit second-chance points for the Rebels.
Coaches in the Spotlight: Chris Beard vs. Tom Izzo
This game also features a coaching showdown between Chris Beard and Tom Izzo. Beard, in his second year with Ole Miss, has a history with Izzo—he eliminated Michigan State in the 2019 Final Four while coaching Texas Tech. Izzo, now 70, is a March Madness legend, with 10 Final Four appearances and a national championship under his belt. Beard has praised Izzo, calling him a “Mount Rushmore” figure in college basketball, but he’ll be looking to repeat his 2019 success and lead Ole Miss to its first-ever Elite Eight.
Why This Game Matters
For Michigan State, a win would mark their first Elite Eight appearance since 2019, keeping their hopes alive for a third national title. For Ole Miss, a victory would be historic, marking the deepest tournament run in school history. The stakes couldn’t be higher in this Michigan State vs. Ole Miss clash, and with both teams bringing their A-game, it’s shaping up to be a classic March Madness battle.
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