Michigan State going to Final Four over Louisville, 76-70

Mar 29, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Bryn Forbes (5) reacts after making a three pointer during the second half against the Louisville Cardinals in the finals of the east regional of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Carrier Dome. (Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports)

Mar 29, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Travis Trice (20) reacts after making a three pointer during the second half against the Louisville Cardinals in the finals of the east regional of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Carrier Dome. (Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports)

Mar 29, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Bryn Forbes (5) reacts after making a three pointer during the second half against the Louisville Cardinals in the finals of the east regional of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Carrier Dome. (Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports)

Mar 29, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Louisville Cardinals head coach Rick Pitino reacts to a play during the second half against the Michigan State Spartans in the finals of the east regional of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Carrier Dome. (Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports)

Mar 29, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Travis Trice (20) handles the ball against Louisville Cardinals guard Quentin Snider (2) during the second half in the finals of the east regional of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Carrier Dome. (Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports)

Mar 29, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Louisville Cardinals guard Terry Rozier (0) passes the ball against Michigan State Spartans guard/forward Branden Dawson (22) and forward Matt Costello (10) during the second half in the finals of the east regional of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Carrier Dome. (Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports)

Mar 29, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Louisville Cardinals forward Montrezl Harrell (24) handles the ball against Michigan State Spartans forward Matt Costello (10) during the second half in the finals of the east regional of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Carrier Dome. (Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports)

Mar 29, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Louisville Cardinals guard/forward Wayne Blackshear (25) fouls Michigan State Spartans guard Travis Trice (20) during the second half in the finals of the east regional of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Michigan State is going back to the Final Four.

The Spartans beat Louisville 76-70 for a thrilling overtime victory in the East Region on Sunday.

It’s sweet vindication for the Spartans, who had an up-and-down season and came into the East Region as a No. 7 seed.

But Michigan State should be comfortable with its new lofty status. This will be the seventh Final Four for coach Tom Izzo, who led Michigan State to the national title in 2000.

The game was a defensive battle that ended 65-65 in regulation. Senior guard Travis Trice led Michigan State with 17 points. Senior Wayne Blackshear scored 28 for Louisville.

The game was notable for its star coaches as much as the players.

The gravel-voiced Izzo is a straight talker who teaches tough defense. Louisville’s Rick Pitino is known for his dapper wardrobe and smooth personality. He’s won two national championships, most recently with Louisville in 2013.

The Final Four games will be played on Saturday, April 4, in Indianapolis. Michigan State will play the winner of the Duke-Gonzaga game to be played later Sunday. In the first Final Four game, top seed Kentucky will face Wisconsin in a rematch from 2014.

The championship game will be played Monday night, April 6.