Michigan State Spartans Advance to Sweet Sixteen

Spartans defeat Louisville 77-69 to reach second weekend of NCAA Tournament

Mar. 21, 2026 at 10:33pm

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The third-seeded Michigan State Spartans defeated the sixth-seeded Louisville Cardinals 77-69 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday. Coen Carr recorded his first career double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Jeremy Fears Jr. set a program record with 16 assists. This is Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo's 17th Sweet Sixteen appearance, and the Spartans will face either UConn or UCLA in the next round.

Why it matters

Michigan State's victory extends their impressive NCAA Tournament run under head coach Tom Izzo, who has led the Spartans to the Sweet Sixteen in over 50% of his seasons. The team is peaking at the right time and looks poised to make a deep tournament run, potentially reaching Izzo's ninth Final Four.

The details

The Spartans were led by Coen Carr's 21 points and 10 rebounds, as well as a record-setting 16 assists from Jeremy Fears Jr. Michigan State was able to pull away in the second half after a close first half against the Cardinals. The Spartans will now face either second-seeded UConn or seventh-seeded UCLA in the Sweet Sixteen next weekend.

  • The game was played on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
  • Michigan State's next game in the Sweet Sixteen will be played next weekend.

The players

Coen Carr

A Michigan State player who recorded his first career double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds in the win over Louisville.

Jeremy Fears Jr.

A Michigan State player who set a program record with 16 assists in the NCAA Tournament game against Louisville.

Tom Izzo

The head coach of the Michigan State Spartans, who has led the team to the Sweet Sixteen in 17 of his seasons.

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What’s next

The time of Michigan State's next game in the Sweet Sixteen is not yet known, but the regional semifinals and finals will be held next weekend in Washington, D.C.

The takeaway

Michigan State's victory over Louisville extends their impressive NCAA Tournament run under head coach Tom Izzo, who has led the Spartans to the Sweet Sixteen in over 50% of his seasons. The team is playing its best basketball at the right time and looks poised to make a deep tournament run, potentially reaching Izzo's ninth Final Four.