Michigan State shakes off slow start to take down Oklahoma

Michigan State started slow but was able to flip a switch at just the right time and emerge with a 60-58 victory over Oklahoma in the Sweet Sixteen on Friday night.

The Spartans trailed by four after shooting just 31.3 percent in the first half and didn't take a lead until a Branden Dawson jumper put them up 44-42 with under 10 minutes to go. It was only the fourth time in 24 games this season the Sooners lost after leading at the break.

Michigan State really struggled from the free throw line, going 9-of-16. However, after starting 3-of-10 the Spartans connected on their final six free throw attempts, nailing their opportunities from the charity stripe when it mattered most.

Travis Trice and Denzel Valentine carried the Spartans, scoring 24 and 18 points respectively. The two combined to go 8-for-8 from the free throw line while the rest of the team went 1-for-8.

Buddy Hield did what he could for the Sooners, finishing with a team-high 21 points, while TaShawn Thomas added 16 points and seven rebounds. 

Neither team shot the ball well, with Michigan State hitting 38.6 percent of its shots and 33.3 from long range. Oklahoma had an even colder night, making 36.4 percent of all shots and just 23.5 from deep.

It's the ninth trip for Michigan State to the Elite Eight since 1999 under head coach Tom Izzo and the 13th overall in program history. It also marks the second straight year and fourth time since 2002 that the Spartans are off to the regional final.

At No. 7, Michigan State is the highest seed remaining in the tournament, though it would be hard-pressed for anyone to label Izzo and the Spartans as a Cinderella story. Michigan State will try and continue its incredible run Sunday when the Spartans meet Louisville for a spot in the Final Four.