Introduction
College basketball fans love a good showdown, and the Ole Miss basketball vs Michigan State Spartans men’s basketball timeline delivers just that. Though these two teams have met only twice, both in the NCAA Tournament (1999 and 2025), each game was a thrilling chapter in their histories.
From the gritty second-round battle in 1999 to the heart-pounding Sweet 16 clash in 2025, these matchups highlight the Rebels’ resilience and the Spartans’ dominance.
This article explores the Ole Miss basketball vs Michigan State Spartans men’s basketball timeline, diving into key moments, standout players, and the coaches who shaped these unforgettable games.
The 1999 NCAA Tournament Clash
Setting the Stage
On March 14, 1999, the Ole Miss Rebels faced the Michigan State Spartans in the second round of the NCAA Tournament at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Ole Miss, seeded ninth, entered with a 24-9 record after securing their first-ever NCAA Tournament win against Villanova (72-70).
Meanwhile, Michigan State, the top seed with a 30-4 record, was a favorite to contend for the national title under coach Tom Izzo. This game marked a significant challenge for the Rebels, who were still building their program, against a powerhouse Spartans team led by star point guard Mateen Cleaves.
Game Highlights
The first half was a defensive struggle, with Ole Miss taking a slim 32-29 lead at halftime. Cleaves scored eight points for Michigan State, while Jason Smith led the Rebels with ten. But in the second half, the Spartans outscored Ole Miss 45-34.
Cleaves finished with 18 points, 7 assists, and 3 steals, showcasing his leadership. Morris Peterson added 16 points for the Spartans. For Ole Miss, Smith ended with 18 points and 5 steals, but the Rebels lacked depth to counter Michigan State’s surge. The final score was 74-66, propelling Michigan حالت
State to the Sweet 16 and eventually the Final Four.
Key Performances
Jason Smith was the standout for Ole Miss, displaying versatility with his scoring and defensive prowess. His 5 steals disrupted Michigan State’s offense early, but the Rebels couldn’t sustain their momentum. For Michigan State, Mateen Cleaves was the catalyst, orchestrating the offense and making critical plays in the second half.
Morris Peterson’s scoring complemented Cleaves, highlighting the Spartans’ depth. This game underscored Michigan State’s ability to perform under pressure, a hallmark of Izzo’s teams, while Ole Miss showed promise despite the loss.
The 2025 Sweet 16 Showdown
Road to the Sweet 16
The second meeting occurred on March 28, 2025, in the Sweet 16 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. Ole Miss, seeded sixth with a 24-11 record, had upset No. 11 North Carolina (71-64) and No. 3 Iowa State (91-78) to reach this stage for only the second time in program history.
The second-seeded Michigan State, with a 29-6 record, progressed after defeating New Mexico (71–63) and Bryant (87–62). Both teams were battle-tested, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter in the NCAA Tournament.
Game Highlights
The 2025 game was a back-and-forth battle. Ole Miss led by as many as nine points in the second half, driven by Sean Pedulla’s 24 points and Matthew Murrell’s 13. However, Michigan State’s defense tightened, limiting Ole Miss’s scoring opportunities.
Freshman Jase Richardson led the Spartans with 20 points, including 4-of-6 three-pointers, while Coen Carr added 15 points. A crucial three-pointer by Richardson in the final minutes gave Michigan State the lead, and they held on for a 73-70 victory. This win marked their 11th Elite Eight appearance under Tom Izzo.
Key Performances
Jase Richardson’s emergence as a freshman star was pivotal for Michigan State. His shooting accuracy and composure under pressure stood out. Coen Carr’s 15 points showcased his potential as a rising talent. For Ole Miss, Sean Pedulla’s scoring kept the Rebels competitive, with Matthew Murrell providing solid support.
Despite their efforts, Ole Miss couldn’t close the game, as Michigan State’s experience prevailed. This game highlighted the Rebels’ growth under coach Chris Beard and the Spartans’ continued dominance in March Madness.
The Coaches Behind the Teams
Tom Izzo’s Legacy
Tom Izzo, Michigan State’s head coach in both 1999 and 2025, is a college basketball icon. In 1999, Izzo was building his reputation, leading the Spartans to their third straight NCAA Tournament. His teams were known for physical play and defensive tenacity, evident in their comeback against Ole Miss.
Izzo finished with a 2000 national title and eight Final Four appearances by 2025. His ability to adapt and develop players, like Jase Richardson in 2025, has kept Michigan State among the elite. Izzo’s 11th Elite Eight in 2025 further cemented his legacy.
Rob Evans and Chris Beard
In 1999, Rob Evans coached Ole Miss, guiding them to their first NCAA Tournament win. However, against Michigan State, his team lacked the depth to compete with a top seed. By 2025, Chris Beard had transformed Ole Miss into a competitive force.
Beard, who led Texas Tech to the 2019 Final Four (defeating Michigan State), brought strategic acumen and recruiting prowess. His 2025 team’s Sweet 16 run showcased Ole Miss’s progress, though they fell short against Izzo’s Spartans, highlighting the coaching duel’s intensity.
Key Players in the Spotlight
1999 Standouts
Mateen Cleaves was Michigan State’s heart in 1999, leading with 18 points, 7 assists, and 3 steals against Ole Miss. His leadership earned him the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player award that year. Morris Peterson’s 16 points added scoring depth.
For Ole Miss, Jason Smith’s 18 points and 5 steals showcased his all-around game, but the Rebels needed more support. These performances defined the game, with Cleaves’ second-half heroics proving decisive in Michigan State’s victory.
2025 Stars
In 2025, Jase Richardson emerged as Michigan State’s star, scoring 20 points with remarkable efficiency. Coen Carr’s 15 points highlighted his potential as a future standout. For Ole Miss, Sean Pedulla’s 24 points kept the Rebels in contention, with Matthew Murrell’s 13 points providing support.
These players created thrilling moments, with Richardson’s late three-pointer sealing the game. Their performances underscored the talent on both rosters and the competitiveness of the matchup.
Ole Miss in the NCAA Tournament
Ole Miss has had a modest NCAA Tournament history. Their first appearance was in 1989, losing to Georgetown in the first round. The 1999 tournament marked a breakthrough, with their first win against Villanova before falling to Michigan State. The Rebels reached the Sweet 16 in 2001, losing to Maryland.
After sporadic appearances in the 2010s, Chris Beard’s arrival in 2023 revitalized the program. The 2025 Sweet 16 run, with wins over North Carolina and Iowa State, showcased Ole Miss’s growing prominence in college basketball.
Michigan State in the NCAA Tournament
Michigan State is a March Madness powerhouse, particularly under Tom Izzo. Since 1995, the Spartans have made 25 NCAA Tournament appearances, with 17 Sweet 16s, 11 Elite Eights, 8 Final Fours, and a 2000 national championship.
The 1999 team that defeated Ole Miss reached the Final Four, falling to Duke. In 2025, Michigan State continued their tradition of excellence, reaching the Elite Eight after beating Ole Miss. Izzo’s consistent success has made the Spartans a perennial contender on the national stage.
The Lasting Impact
Despite only two meetings, the Ole Miss vs. Michigan State games are significant. For Michigan State, the 1999 win was a step toward the Final Four, while the 2025 victory added to Izzo’s storied career.
Ole Miss achieved a significant milestone in 1999 when they won their first NCAA Tournament game. The 2025 game highlighted their resurgence under Beard, reaching the Sweet 16 for only the second time. These games demonstrate both teams’ ability to compete at the highest level, adding intrigue to their rare rivalry.
Conclusion
The timeline of Ole Miss basketball vs. Michigan State Spartans men’s basketball, though brief with only two games, captures the essence of March Madness. The 1999 second-round clash and the 2025 Sweet 16 showdown delivered drama, showcasing standout players like Mateen Cleaves, Jase Richardson, and Sean Pedulla.
Under coaches Tom Izzo and Chris Beard, these games highlighted the competitive spirit of college basketball. As both programs evolve, fans eagerly await potential future matchups. Stay tuned for more thrilling moments in college basketball by following your favorite teams’ journeys!
FAQs
- How many times have Ole Miss and Michigan State met in basketball?
They’ve played twice, both in the NCAA Tournament (1999 and 2025), as part of the Ole Miss basketball vs Michigan State Spartans men’s basketball timeline. - Who won the 1999 game in the Ole Miss basketball vs Michigan State Spartans men’s basketball timeline?
In the second round, Michigan State prevailed 74-66. - What happened in the 2025 game?
Michigan State edged Ole Miss 73-70 in the Sweet 16, a key moment in the Ole Miss basketball vs Michigan State Spartans men’s basketball timeline. - Has Ole Miss ever beaten Michigan State?
No, Michigan State has won both games in the Ole Miss basketball vs Michigan State Spartans men’s basketball timeline. - When was Ole Miss’s last Sweet 16 appearance?
Ole Miss reached the Sweet 16 in 2025, their second time, as part of the Ole Miss basketball v. Michigan State Spartans men’s basketball timeline.
