The Michigan State Spartans look to continue their 2015 NCAA Tournament run on Friday in the Sweet 16 round against the Oklahoma Sooners. Tipoff is at 10:07 p.m. ET, which you can watch for free via the live stream below.
Although Michigan State lost the Big Ten Tournament final to Wisconsin, there's no question the No. 7 Spartans have gotten hot at the right time. The Spartans earned a spot in the Sweet 16 on the back of a 60-54 win Sunday against No. 2 Virginia. Tom Izzo's seniors provided veteran leadership when the Cavaliers came close to rallying late in the second half, with guard Travis Trice scoring a game-high 23 points and swingman Branden Dawson adding 15 points and nine rebounds.
Izzo admitted this is not the best roster he's had in terms of raw talent, but applauded his players for their ability to stay focused down the stretch.
"We're just not as talented as we've been, so we are always cheating to find a way to get an edge," Izzo said, via ESPN. "Coaches can tell you what to do, but when muscle memory tells you to do it another way ... your focus has to be incredible. And that was incredible focus if you asked me."
No. 3 Oklahoma, meanwhile, advanced after escaping Dayton 72-66 on Sunday. Sophomore guard Jordan Woodard led with16 points, and junior guard Buddy Hield added 15. The real story of the game, though, was how Oklahoma locked down on defense and eventually took - and finished with - the lead.
"I thought we just took on some individual challenges a little bit within the team concept at that point," said coach Lon Kruger.
Watch the live stream HERE, or listen to the radio broadcast HERE.
