Tom Izzo bursts into tears after epic Michigan State comeback to reach Elite 8

It was an emotional night for Tom Izzo and the Michigan State basketball team. It didn't come easy, but the Spartans reached the Elite 8 of March Madness with an epic comeback over Ole Miss on Friday night.

Izzo's Spartans have very rare makeup for a college basketball team in the transfer portal and NIL era, with four of the team's five starters playing at Michigan State for their entire careers.

The 70-year-old Izzo praised his team's hard work and dedication after the 73-70 win when speaking to CBS Sports' sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson.

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"“I love these guys," an emotional Izzo said as he burst into tears and his team cheered him on.

He added, "It’s simple, you know? They don’t quit. We’ve been a second-half team. One of these days we’re going to be a first-half team."

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The win sets up Izzo and the Spartans, who are led by senior guard Jaden Akins and freshman sensation Jace Richardson, for a showdown with No. 1 overall seed Auburn in the South Regional final on Sunday evening in Atlanta.

It is Michigan State's first appearance in the Elite 8 since 2019.

Tip-off between the No. 2 seed Spartans and No. 1 Auburn on March 30 is set for 5:05 p.m. ET at State Farm Arena on CBS.

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