ITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Two of college basketball’s biggest names will share the spotlight Saturday night when John Calipari’s Arkansas Razorbacks take on Tom Izzo’s Michigan State Spartans.
It’s the sixth meeting between the Hall of Fame coaches, with Calipari holding a 3-2 edge. For the first time, the matchup won’t be on a neutral court — and it marks the third different program Calipari has led against Izzo.
University of Kentucky Men’s Basketball Coach John Calipari reacts with Michigan State University Men’s Basketball Coach Tom Izzo before an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Durisko)
Calipari, who won a national title with Kentucky in 2012 and entered the Hall of Fame in 2015, is in his second season at Arkansas. Izzo, a 2000 national champion and Hall of Fame inductee in 2016, has spent his entire career at Michigan State.
The series has produced memorable moments:
In 2008, Calipari’s Memphis team, led by Derrick Rose, beat Michigan State 92-74 in the NCAA regional semifinals.
Michigan State edged Kentucky 78-74 in 2013 featuring Gary Harris, while Julius Randle starred for the Wildcats.
Kentucky rolled past Michigan State 69-48 in 2016 with Malik Monk and De’Aaron Fox leading the way.
In 2019, Tyrese Maxey powered Kentucky to a 69-62 win at Madison Square Garden.
Michigan State won the last meeting in 2022 with an 86-77 victory in Indianapolis, led by Joey Hauser.
Kentucky’s Oscar Tshiebwe (34) and Michigan State’s Mady Sissoko (22) battle for a rebound during the second half on an NCAA college basketball game, Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Michigan State forward Xavier Tillman (23) falls to the court in front of Kentucky forward Nick Richards (4) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2019, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Kentucky guard De’Aaron Fox (0) is fouled by Michigan State guard Cassius Winston (5) while driving to the basket during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2016, in New York. Kentucky won 69-48. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Kentucky forward Willie Cauley-Stein (15) tries to block out Michigan State center Adreian Payne (5) as forward Alex Poythress watches from behind during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2013, in Chicago. Michigan State won 78-74. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
** FILE ** In this March 28, 2008 file photo, Memphis guard Derrick Rose (23) dribbles against Michigan State in the second half of the NCAA South Regional semifinal basketball game in Houston. Rose and Kansas State forward Michael Beasley are two of the top draft picks in this Tuesday’s NBA draft. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
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