ATLANTA – Jace Richardson scored 24 points, and Michigan State went past Mississippi in the second half to win a 73-70 victory in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 on Friday night.
Ole Miss (24-12) was rejected in a bid for the first Elite 8 appearance despite leading 10 points in the first half and nine points in the second half.
Michigan (30-6), the second seed in the South Region, has gathered to continue bidding for manager Tom Izzo for his ninth Final Four and the second National Championship. The Spartans will play either No. 1 Seed Auburn or Rival Michigan on Sunday.
Izzo won the 59th NCAA Tournament in his 16th Sweet 16, beating Syracuse's Jim Boeheim and Thailand for the fourth time.
A drive and a short jumper by Jaden Akins gave Michigan a 65-63 lead. After two mistakes by Rebel Guard Drevis, Izzo called a timeout with 57 seconds left, then pumped his fist as he brought the player back to the bench.
Following the timeout, Carson Cooper's layup extended the lead to 67-63, the Spartans' biggest lead.
Ole Misguard's Sean Pedra floater, who led the rebels with 24 points, reduced the lead to two.
Ole Miss had only won the second sweet 16 appearance after losing to Arizona 66-56 and failing to advance to the Elite 8 in 2001.
The Spartans scored the final six points of the first half, chasing 33-31 on the break.
Michigan took the first lead of the game, 51-50 with two free throws by Cooper, and expanded its advantage to 53-50 with Frankie Fiddler's layup.
