March Madness Showdown: Michigan and Michigan State on Collision Course for Epic Elite Eight Battle
DENVER — When the NCAA Tournament brackets were revealed, many fans quickly noticed a potential high-stakes matchup looming. But before any dreams of a rivalry showdown could take shape, Michigan basketball had business to handle.
The Wolverines took care of UC San Diego with a hard-fought 68-65 victory on Thursday. Then, they put on an impressive performance against Texas A&M, winning 91-79 on Saturday to punch their ticket to the Sweet 16. This marks Michigan’s first trip to this stage since 2022 and its sixth in the past eight years.
Now, the Wolverines prepare for their toughest challenge yet—a matchup against top overall seed Auburn in the Sweet 16 at State Farm Center in Atlanta on Friday. If they manage to pull off the upset, they could find a familiar foe standing between them and a trip to the Final Four: Michigan State.
The Spartans, led by legendary coach Tom Izzo, face New Mexico in the Round of 32 on Sunday in Cleveland. A victory would send them to the Sweet 16, where they would meet the winner of Iowa State vs. Mississippi. If both Michigan and Michigan State advance, the two bitter rivals would face off in the Elite Eight for a coveted Final Four berth.
Michigan guard Roddy Gayle Jr. acknowledged the possibility, calling it one of the biggest potential games in recent memory. “A rematch against Michigan State in the Elite Eight? That would be one of the greatest games ever, especially with what we’ve been through recently,” he said.
The regular season meetings between these teams were all in Michigan State’s favor. The Spartans won 75-62 in Ann Arbor in February and dominated 79-62 on Senior Day in East Lansing. However, their last encounter wasn’t without controversy. A scuffle broke out when Michigan players stood at center court during MSU’s senior day tradition of kissing the Spartan logo.
Although a third meeting didn’t happen in the Big Ten Tournament—MSU fell to Wisconsin in the semifinals—the NCAA Tournament could provide the perfect setting for a dramatic showdown.
While fanbases on both sides may hesitate to root for their rival, both Izzo and Michigan head coach Dusty May have embraced the idea of a potential meeting.
“I’m rooting for them,” Izzo said. “Hopefully, we can see them. That means we’ve both advanced, and things are going well.”
May echoed the sentiment, acknowledging that a Michigan-Michigan State battle on the national stage would bring plenty of excitement.
For now, both teams must take care of business. But if they do, Atlanta could be the site of one of the most memorable clashes in the history of this storied rivalry.
