ATLANTA (AP) — In a thrilling Sweet 16 matchup, top-seeded Auburn showcased their resilience, overcoming a nine-point deficit to secure a 78-65 victory over fifth-seeded Michigan on Friday night at State Farm Arena. The Tigers (31-5) outscored the Wolverines 39-17 in the final 12 and a half minutes, propelling them to the Elite Eight for only the third time in the program's history.
Auburn's victory also marked a significant milestone, as they became the fourth Southeastern Conference team to reach a regional final, joining the ranks of the Atlantic Coast Conference and Big East in accomplishing this feat. With the win, Auburn is set to face Michigan State in the South Region final on Sunday, March 30, 2025, with a coveted trip to the Final Four on the line.
The game began with both teams exchanging leads, and Auburn clinging to a narrow 30-29 advantage at halftime. Michigan, fueled by their own ambitions, surged ahead early in the second half, building a 49-38 lead. However, the momentum shifted dramatically when Auburn found their rhythm.
Freshman Tahaad Pettiford and senior Denver Jones emerged as the stars of the night, each contributing 20 points. Their performances were crucial as the Tigers rallied back from their deficit. Pettiford ignited the comeback with a step-back jumper from beyond the arc, followed by Jones knocking down two consecutive three-pointers and driving to the hoop for a layup. The duo's explosive scoring was pivotal as they combined for 16 points during a decisive stretch.
“Just the kids’ will to win,” Auburn coach Bruce Pearl said. “Denver got heated up. Tahaad got heated up. We went to them, and they delivered.”
Johni Broome, who is in contention for the Naismith Player of the Year award, led all scorers with 22 points and grabbed 16 rebounds, showcasing his dominance on both ends of the court. Despite picking up his fourth foul with just over six minutes remaining, Broome's earlier contributions were instrumental in keeping Auburn in the game.
“We took the game personal,” Broome stated. “That’s a great front line, but we wanted to challenge ourselves to make it tough on them.”
Michigan's Danny Wolf led his team with 20 points, but the Wolverines struggled to maintain their momentum in the latter stages of the game. After building a solid lead, they found themselves unable to score for over seven minutes of the final eight minutes, as Auburn's defense tightened and their offense surged.
The first half was marked by frenetic energy but also a series of turnovers, with both teams combining for 18 mistakes. Auburn managed to hold a slight lead despite shooting just 32.4% from the field in the opening period. They finished the game with a significant 48-33 advantage on the boards, capitalizing on second-chance opportunities.
As the crowd erupted in support of the Tigers, the atmosphere felt electric, reminiscent of a home game for Auburn, located just across the state line in Alabama. The fans’ energy undoubtedly played a role in Auburn's second-half turnaround.
“It obviously helped to elevate their play,” Pearl added. “If you're the overall No. 1 seed, you should be able to play close enough to home so the fans can see it.”
Looking ahead, Auburn will face a tough challenge against Michigan State, who narrowly defeated Mississippi 73-70 in their Sweet 16 matchup. The stakes are high as both teams vie for a spot in the Final Four, and the excitement is palpable.
As for Michigan, despite the loss, they have much to be proud of after bouncing back from a difficult previous season. Under first-year head coach Dusty May, the Wolverines have established a new identity and set the stage for future success.
“They left a legacy,” May reflected. “They established an identity. They should be very, very proud of their body of work.”
The stage is set for a thrilling Elite Eight clash, and all eyes will be on Auburn as they aim to continue their march toward a potential championship run.
