EAST LANSING – The first game didn’t count but the second is for survival. No. 3 seed Michigan State (27-7) will face No. 2 UConn (31-5) in the Sweet 16 on Friday (9:45 p.m., CBS) in a rematch of an exhibition the Huskies won in October.

MSU's game this week against UConn will be the 17th Sweet 16 appearance under Tom Izzo. Here's a look at the most memorable of the first 16 games.

The legendary head coach likes what he sees from the Spartans and two of their players.

Tarris Reed Jr. didn't face Michigan State basketball in Connecticut's exhibition win. The Spartans know they must stop the ex-U-M center this time.

Michigan State Spartans coach Tom Izzo had strong advice for Dan Hurley when they spoke about the Lakers job offer.

For the seventeeth time in his career, Tom Izzo and his Michigan State Spartans will be dancing into the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament thanks to a win over a feisty Louisville team. It wasn't perfect, but MSU was able to maintain a lead for the whole contest and pulled away at the end to advance in the tournament.

New coach LeVar Woods and punter Rhys Dakin reveal opportunities and expectations. Safety Nikai Martinez also shares insights from the Spartans' intense spring practice.

EAST LANSING – It’s not quite all chalk, but just the slightest shade lighter. Friday night’s East Region will feature No. 1 seed Duke against No. 5 St. John’s, followed by No. 2 UConn vs. No. 3 Michigan State at Capital One Arena in Washington,