- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 425,981
- Reaction score
- 43
Nothing warms the heart like a good college rivalry.
But what about a college rivalry matchup in the NCAA Tournament? That could be on tap if both No. 2 seed Michigan State and No. 5 Michigan win their respective Sweet 16 matchups on Friday. The Spartans play No. 6 Ole Miss at 7:09 p.m. ET, while the Wolverines take on No. 1 Auburn at 9:39 p.m.
REQUIRED READING: Have Michigan and Michigan State basketball ever played in March Madness?
Michigan and Michigan State have played each other since Jan. 9, 1909 on the hardwood, but a potential matchup in the 2025 men's NCAA Tournament would be the first-ever meeting between the programs in the Big Dance.
The Spartans earned the series sweep over the Wolverines this season. The Tom Izzo-led program won 75-62 on Feb. 21 in Ann Arbor and 79-62 on March 9 in East Lancing over first-year Michigan coach Dusty May.
So, could there be a third matchup between the Wolverines and Spartans this season? Here's what you need to know:
Yes. If the Spartans can beat the Rebels, and the Wolverines can pull off a major upset of the No. 1 overall seeded Tigers. Michigan State and Michigan would play for a chance to advance to the Final Four at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Sunday.
Just as beloved college basketball broadcaster Dick Vitale predicted when the brackets were first released.
Of course, a Michigan upset victory against Auburn would end Alabama-Auburn fans' dream of a potential third Iron Bowl matchup this season in the national championship.
Michigan State last reached the Elite Eight in 2019, while Michigan's last trip came in 2021. The Spartans reached the Final Four that same season, while the Wolverines' previous national semifinal appearance was in 2018.
While there is still work for both sides to reach a potential rematch, fans can at least begin dreaming about what it would mean, with both teams needing just one more victory.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Can Michigan-Michigan State play each other during March Madness?
Continue reading...
But what about a college rivalry matchup in the NCAA Tournament? That could be on tap if both No. 2 seed Michigan State and No. 5 Michigan win their respective Sweet 16 matchups on Friday. The Spartans play No. 6 Ole Miss at 7:09 p.m. ET, while the Wolverines take on No. 1 Auburn at 9:39 p.m.
REQUIRED READING: Have Michigan and Michigan State basketball ever played in March Madness?
Michigan and Michigan State have played each other since Jan. 9, 1909 on the hardwood, but a potential matchup in the 2025 men's NCAA Tournament would be the first-ever meeting between the programs in the Big Dance.
The Spartans earned the series sweep over the Wolverines this season. The Tom Izzo-led program won 75-62 on Feb. 21 in Ann Arbor and 79-62 on March 9 in East Lancing over first-year Michigan coach Dusty May.
So, could there be a third matchup between the Wolverines and Spartans this season? Here's what you need to know:
Can Michigan, Michigan State play in March Madness?
Yes. If the Spartans can beat the Rebels, and the Wolverines can pull off a major upset of the No. 1 overall seeded Tigers. Michigan State and Michigan would play for a chance to advance to the Final Four at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Sunday.
Just as beloved college basketball broadcaster Dick Vitale predicted when the brackets were first released.
Of course, a Michigan upset victory against Auburn would end Alabama-Auburn fans' dream of a potential third Iron Bowl matchup this season in the national championship.
Michigan State last reached the Elite Eight in 2019, while Michigan's last trip came in 2021. The Spartans reached the Final Four that same season, while the Wolverines' previous national semifinal appearance was in 2018.
While there is still work for both sides to reach a potential rematch, fans can at least begin dreaming about what it would mean, with both teams needing just one more victory.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Can Michigan-Michigan State play each other during March Madness?
Continue reading...
