The excitement surrounding college basketball reaches a fever pitch as the No. 1 Auburn Tigers face off against the No. 5 Michigan Wolverines in a highly anticipated Sweet 16 matchup of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. With both teams having performed admirably in previous rounds, this game promises to showcase some of the best talent in college basketball.
The game is set to take place on Friday, March 28, 2025, at 9:39 p.m. ET at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, a location conveniently close to Auburn’s campus. The matchup will be broadcast live on CBS, allowing fans across the nation to witness the action. Notably, Auburn is marking its first Sweet 16 appearance since 2019, where they hope to repeat past success in the tournament.
Auburn’s journey to the Sweet 16 was solidified after they secured an impressive 82-70 victory over Creighton on March 22. Tahaad Pettiford led the Tigers in that crucial game, scoring 23 points accompanied by six rebounds, while teammate Chad Baker-Mazara also had a noteworthy performance with 17 points. This win represents a significant milestone for Auburn, who previously showcased their skills against Alabama State and Creighton in tournament play.
On the other hand, Michigan entered the Sweet 16 following a strong showing against Texas A&M, winning their matchup 91-79. Guard Roddy Gayle Jr. spearheaded Michigan’s success with an exceptional game, scoring 26 points to help secure the victory. This year marks Michigan’s return to the second weekend of the tournament for the first time since 2022.
Key players from both teams will be crucial in determining the outcome of this matchup. For Auburn, leading scorer Johni Broome has been a standout throughout the season, averaging 18.4 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. He’s complemented by a cast of players contributing significantly – Chad Baker-Mazara with 12.5 points and Miles Kelly at 11.7 points per contest. Each player brings a unique element to Auburn's offensive strategy.
Michigan counters with strong performances of their own. Vladislav Goldin has been a key asset, averaging 16.8 points and shooting an impressive 61.6% from the field. Danny Wolf and Tre Donaldson also contribute their fair share, with Wolf averaging 13 points and 9.8 rebounds per game. Michigan, as a unit, has demonstrated the ability to adapt and overcome challenges, previously defeating UC San Diego and Texas A&M to reach this stage.
When examining stats, Auburn shoots an impressive 48.1% from the floor, 8% higher than what Michigan allows defensively, while Michigan stands at 47.1% shooting from the field. When both teams manage to outrun their defensive limits, they can result in high-scoring affairs, a theme we have seen in previous tournaments. Auburn averages 83.8 points per game, which is significantly more than what Michigan concedes, while the Wolverines score about 78.3 points on average, leaving room for an exciting showdown.
Rebounding will also play a decisive role in determining the victor of this contest. Currently, the Tigers average 34.3 rebounds per game, while Michigan edges just ahead, averaging 35.2 per game. The matchup of these two teams on the boards could provide essential second-chance opportunities to capitalize during key moments in the game.
As both teams gear up for this crucial clash, fans flock to ticket outlets. Prices on platforms such as StubHub range for all sessions at about $698, while the first session featuring Auburn against Michigan is presently set at $488, reflecting the high demand for this match.
In a small twist of fate, the game will also see a reunion for Michigan guard Tre Donaldson, who played his first two college seasons at Auburn before transferring for the 2024-2025 season. This adds even more emotional stakes to an already thrilling contest, as he faces his former team with a chance to advance to the Elite Eight on the line.
No matter the outcome, this game promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for the players and fans alike, highlighting the very essence of March Madness. As Auburn and Michigan square off for a well-fought battle, the stakes couldn’t be higher, with dreams of a national title just one victory away.
As the clock counts down to game time, anticipation brews among fans, players, and analysts. Will Auburn continue its promising run towards the championship or will Michigan rise to challenge and seize the opportunity? Mark your calendars and prepare for a night of exhilarating college basketball action!
