By Sam Draut–

As the top two seeds in the East Region fell in the NCAA tournament’s first weekend, the bracket opened up for two of college basketball’s best coaches to meet for a chance at a Final Four.

Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo and Louisville head coach Rick Pitino have combined for three National Championships and 13 Final Fours, and once again meet in the Elite Eight.

In 2009, Michigan State defeated top-seeded Louisville in the Elite Eight, but then Louisville returned the favor in 2012 with a 57-44 victory in the round of 16.

This time, seventh-seeded Michigan State and fourth-seeded Louisville represent two teams who hit their strides at the right time.

Similar to N.C. State, slowing down the Spartan’s backcourt will be crucial to Louisville’s success.

Senior guard Travis Trice and guard Denzel Valentine combine for almost 30 points per game while each averaging 33 minutes per contest.  As a team, Michigan State has the ability to stretch the defense with lethal perimeter shooting.  The Spartans shoot 38.6 percent from the three-point line.  Bryn Forbes leads the team at 42.6 percent from behind the arc.

“They really shoot at a high rate from the three-point line. So we’ve got to treat this game just the way we did with N.C. State, limit them to one tough shot. Get our hands up on the three-point line and rebound as a team like we did last night,” Montrezl Harrell said.  “We know they’re going to try to shoot early on the break and get a lot of those shots back and send four people to the glass. We’ve got to make sure we put a body on somebody and make sure we give them one tough shot.”

Branden Dawson provides an interior presence, averaging 11.9 points and 9.1 rebounds per game.

The game will tip off at 2:20 p.m. on Sunday.