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The Men’s NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 continues Friday with four more exciting matchups. Today, we zero in on the two matchups that do not feature the No. 1 seeds. Michigan State and Ole Miss square off in a battle of defensive grit versus three-point firepower, while Kentucky and Tennessee meet for a third time this season in an all-SEC showdown that could come down to perimeter shooting.
Every possession matters at this stage, where depth, defense, and momentum can be the difference between advancing to the Elite Eight or heading home. Here’s what to expect from these matchups.
State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia | 7:09 PM ET | CBS
The South Region semifinal between Ole Miss and Michigan State features contrasting styles, with the Rebels leaning on their red-hot shooting and the Spartans relying on elite defense, rebounding and depth.
Ole Miss enters this matchup on a high note after dismantling Iowa State 91-78, following a gritty first-round win over North Carolina. Sean Pedulla has been the driving force for the Rebels, averaging 20 points per game in the tournament while facilitating the offense with 13 total assists and disrupting on defense with 6 total steals. Malik Dia has provided a strong inside-out presence, contributing 18 points and 8 rebounds against Iowa State. However, Ole Miss will face its toughest test against Michigan State’s smothering defense.
The Spartans boast the nation’s best three-point defense, holding opponents to 27.8% shooting from beyond the arc. This will be crucial against an Ole Miss team that has hit nearly 49% of its threes in the tournament. Michigan State also holds a key advantage on the boards, dominating the rebounding battle in both tournament wins. If the Spartans can control the glass and pile up second-chance points, they’ll be in a strong position to advance.
Cooper has been a force on the boards lately, tallying 8+ rebounds in his last three games despite coming off the bench. Against an Ole Miss team that ranks 314th in offensive rebounding and 226th in defensive rebounding, expect him to bring high energy and have another strong night cleaning up the glass against a thinner Ole Miss rotation and frontcourt.
Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana | 7:39 PM ET | TBS / truTV
Kentucky and Tennessee meet for the third time this season in an SEC showdown with a trip to the Elite 8 on the line. The Wildcats won both regular-season matchups, but beating a strong team three times is never easy.
Kentucky’s success in this series has largely been due to its ability to capitalize on Tennessee’s defensive tendencies. The Vols force contested three-point looks, allowing just 28.3% from deep, but struggle to limit volume, ranking 338th in three-point attempts allowed. Kentucky has taken full advantage, hitting 12-of-24 from deep in both previous meetings. Koby Brea and Ansley Almonor have been lethal from long range, and Lamont Butler’s presence (he only played 22 total minutes vs Tennessee) adds leadership, facilitation on offense and defensive stability.
Tennessee, meanwhile, will look to finally break through from beyond the arc. Chaz Lanier is the Vols’ primary deep threat, but the team has struggled against Kentucky’s defense as a whole. While some regression to the mean is expected, Tennessee will need a more consistent perimeter attack to keep pace with Kentucky’s firepower.
Brea has hit at least three triples in both tournament games and both meetings against Tennessee this season. Shooting 43.8% from deep, he remains a key weapon in Kentucky’s offensive game plan and should continue his hot streak in this matchup.
Zach has been a published sports writer since 2018 specializing in college football & basketball, MLB and NFL content for multiple publications.