Tom Izzo is used to leading the Michigan State Spartans into the Sweet 16. This will be the fourth-straight year the team has gotten to this point in the tournament along with being the 13th time in 20 seasons. The No. 7 Spartans might not be as marquee as in years past, but an Izzo coached team should never be ruled out as they prepare to face the Oklahoma Sooners on Friday.
The Spartans played upset to the Virginia Cavaliers who were predicted to win it all at one point this season. It was the second straight year Michigan State dominated Virginia as the team reaches the Sweet 16. Travis Trice led the way, scoring 23 points in the win. He was responsible for 13 of Michigan State's first 15 points in the game while going 5-of-5. Branden Dawson added another 15 points and nine rebounds to get the win. The Spartans defense held Virginia to the worst offensive game this season as the team only made 11.8 percent of their shots from long range. They will aim to do the same against Oklahoma.
The Sooners are the lone Big 12 team to emerge from the competitive conference at this point in the tournament. They managed to put away the Dayton Flyers despite a close first half. Buddy Hield and Jordan Woodard led a strong second half defensive charge including a game-winning block. Hield had 15 points while Woodard have 16 points including seven free throws in the final minute of the game.
The Sooners want their defense to do the talking in this matchup. Oklahoma has not reached the Elite 8 since Blake Griffin got them there in 2009. The team's defense is limiting opponents to a 38.6 field-goal percentage. Right now, the Spartans have the momentum having won six of their last seven while emerging as a surprise team to watch in the tournament. Players like Trice who is averaging 17.8 points in the tournament are ready to get one more win before heading off to the NBA.