Down 10 with the season on the line. A discombobulated start on the offensive end with breakdowns on the other side of the court. This has become a familiar opening act for Michigan State, which somehow keeps scripting the predictable finish of a Hallmark Christmas movie.

Jase Richardson scored 20 and grabbed six rebounds to lead Michigan State (30-6), Akins finished with 13 points and Tre Holloman 10. Coen Carr, a native of nearby Stockbridge, Ga., made his first career start and had a memorable homecoming with 15 points.

Michigan State survived an epic game against Ole Miss in March Madness, beating the Rebels to make the Elite Eight.

Tom Izzo keeps saying he's had more talented teams. Not as many as he thinks. Some of this MSU basketball team's attributes are elite.

Jase Richardson scored 24 points and Michigan State surged past Mississippi in the second half for a 73-70 victory on Friday night in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16.

Tom Izzo and Michigan State basketball advance to the Elite Eight of March Madness after defeating Ole Miss, 73-70, Friday in the Sweet Sixteen.

Ole Miss basketball took on Michigan State in the Sweet 16 this past Friday night. In a wire-to-wire game, the Rebels weren't quite able to take down the Sparta

Tom Izzo is crying. In a college basketball world that has become overrun by NIL and the transfer portal, Michigan State’s iconic coach had plenty of love for the team he has built over multiple years after punching a ticket to the Elite Eight.

Michigan State is one win away from a ninth Final Four appearance in the 70-year-old’s 30-year tenure. If the Spartans can get by top-seeded Auburn or rival Michigan in the Elite Eight, Izzo will join Roy Williams, ranking fourth all-time in Final Four appearances, behind only Mike Krzyzewski (13), John Wooden (12) and Dean Smith (11).

Ole Miss basketball is set for he Sweet 16, the Rebels first appearance since 2001 and second all-time. The 6-seeded Rebels will be taking on the 2-seeded Mich