In what was one of the final games of the Sweet 16, Bruce Pearl and the Auburn Tigers are heading to the Elite Eight for the first time since 2019. On Friday night, March 28, 2025, the No. 1 seed Auburn knocked off the No. 5 seed Michigan Wolverines 78-65 in the South Region semifinals at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. This victory marks a significant achievement for the Tigers, who have faced a challenging path to this point.
Auburn All-American Johni Broome continued his dominant play from the first two rounds, recording game-highs of 22 points on 9-of-21 shooting and 16 rebounds. Freshman guard Tahaad Pettiford added another 20 points off the bench, showcasing the depth and talent of the Tigers' roster. The performance of these players was crucial in overcoming a formidable Michigan team that had entered the tournament with momentum, having just won the Big Ten tournament.
After the win, Pearl began a postgame interview, but his team soon interrupted, enthusiastically hyping up their coach. Pearl and his players broke into multiple loud chants during the interview, including one celebrating the SEC, which has four teams in the Elite Eight. "But we represented the SEC. How about the SEC?" Pearl asked before leading an "SEC" chant with his players, highlighting the pride and camaraderie within the team.
College basketball fans appreciated Pearl's postgame behavior as he enjoyed the moment with his players. Social media buzzed with reactions from fans, with many praising Pearl's lively demeanor. "That's an all-time postgame interview by Bruce Pearl lol," one fan tweeted. Another added, "Bruce Pearl is awesome. What a postgame interview!" The enthusiasm surrounding Pearl reflects his connection with both his players and the fanbase.
In the second half, Auburn went on a remarkable 34-8 run, showcasing their ability to rally and dominate when it mattered most. Pearl praised his team's defensive effort, noting that they locked down Michigan and limited their effectiveness. "I thought Dylan Cardwell did an incredible job on Goldin," Pearl remarked, highlighting the importance of their defensive strategy against Michigan's size.
Broome, reflecting on the game, stated, "We were playing bad. Being honest, we were turning the ball over a lot, and we wasn’t even guarding. But we were still in the game. So everybody said let’s get three stops. And three led into four and four led into five stops, and we went on a little run and the crowd got involved, and we started playing Auburn basketball." His acknowledgment of the team's struggles early on, followed by their resilience, illustrates the Tigers' journey through the tournament.
The atmosphere in the arena was electric, with Auburn fans filling the stands and creating a home-like environment for their team. Chaney Johnson, an Auburn forward, emphasized the impact of the crowd, stating, "The crowd distracts the other team. They don't know they're running. You feel me? They can't really communicate. They can't hear themselves. So, I mean, they were a big reason why we won." This sentiment was echoed by Pearl, who noted that the fans helped elevate their play.
As Auburn prepares for their next challenge, they will face off against the No. 2 seed Michigan State Spartans in the Elite Eight on Sunday, March 30, 2025. Pearl acknowledged the formidable task ahead, stating, "Tom Izzo is a great coach. He’s a Hall of Fame coach, and Michigan State is a very good team." The upcoming matchup promises to be a thrilling contest as both teams vie for a spot in the Final Four.
As the tournament progresses, the excitement surrounding Auburn basketball continues to grow. The Tigers have shown their ability to compete at a high level, and with players like Broome and Pettiford stepping up, they are poised to make a deep run in the tournament. Fans are hopeful that this year's team can replicate the success of the 2019 squad that reached the Final Four.
In summary, Auburn's victory over Michigan not only secures their place in the Elite Eight but also highlights the team's resilience and the importance of their fan support. With the momentum on their side and a talented roster, the Tigers are ready to take on the next challenge in their quest for a national championship.
