Tarris Reed Jr. delivered clutch free throws as UConn held off Michigan State 67-63 in the Sweet 16, advancing to a showdown with top-seeded Duke. The Huskies (32-5), seeded second, overcame a 19-point deficit after halftime when Reed, a 59% season-long foul shooter, made all four of his free throws in the final minute. Reed's 20 points and Alex Karaban's 17 sealed the victory, with UConn's defense holding Michigan State to just 4-of-16 from three-point range. Coach Dan Hurley praised Reed's impact, calling him a 'calming influence' akin to an associate head coach. Michigan State's 27-8 squad, led by Tom Izzo, fought back from an early 19-point hole but fell short despite a late rally. UConn's 1999 title game loss to Duke adds historical weight to their upcoming matchup in Sunday's East Region final.