Tom Izzo’s No. 3 seed Michigan State will face a tough challenge against No. 2 seed UConn in the Sweet 16 of the 2026 NCAA Tournament on Friday. While the Spartans will need to be at their best to take down Dan Hurley’s Huskies, Izzo is already thinking ahead to potentially facing MI’s in-state rival, Michigan in the Final Four.
Izzo appeared on Kay Adams’ “Up&Adams” show on Tuesday and was asked if he was rooting for the Big Ten teams in March Madness, including Michigan.
“Maybe I’d like another shot at them (Michigan),” Izzo said. “They beat us pretty good both times (this season). But right now, the Big Ten has really been on a roll. … The good news is, if I get a shot at Michigan again, that means I’m in the Final Four. How could it be better than that?
Izzo was also asked about the weightage of “bad blood” and “respect” between Michigan and Michigan State in sports.
“Well, it’s always gotta be bad blood,” Izzo said. “I always say it like this, ‘Do you want me to like my wife’s old boyfriend?’ It’s not American. You can’t do that. So, you can’t love your rival, but John Beilein (former UM HC) and I had a great thing going, and had great respect for one and other.
“And I’m sure that’ll work out as you go. … You know, you respect your opponent, but if anyone tells you they liked your rival, then ask them if they like your wife’s (old) boyfriend. It just doesn’t work out.”
Michigan beat Michigan State twice this season. There is a possibility that the two Big Ten rivals could meet in the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament as well.
Top seed Michigan beat St. Louis in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The Wolverines will face No. 4 seed Alabama in the Sweet 16 on Friday.
How To Watch Tom Izzo’s Michigan State vs. Dan Hurley’s UConn – TV Channel and live stream details for NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 clash
The Michigan State vs. UConn game will be broadcast live on CBS. Fans can also live stream the Sweet 16 contest on Fubo or Paramount+.
Here are the key details for the Michigan State vs. UConn game:
- Date: Friday, March 27, 2026
- Time: 9:45 p.m. ET
- TV channel: CBS
- Live stream: Fubo and Paramount+
- Venue: Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
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