Auburn Tigers secure Sweet 16 spot by defeating Creighton in second round
After a flat performance in their opening round match, the Auburn Tigers rebounded to claim a solid victory over Creighton, advancing to the NCAA Tournament's Sweet 16 for the first time since 2019.
In a thrilling encounter played on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky, Auburn overcame an early deficit to triumph 82-70, showcasing the depth and tenacity of their roster. This win pushes Auburn's record to an impressive 30-4, whereas Creighton concluded their tournament journey with a 25-11 record.
From the very start, the game revealed fierce competition. The Bluejays shot exceptionally well early on, with an impressive nine three-pointers in the first half, leaving the Tigers trailing by two points at the break. The first half was characterized by Creighton's accuracy from beyond the arc, enlightening their offensive strategy, which resulted in Auburn entering halftime on the back foot.
However, the second half was a different story. The Tigers emerged from the locker room determined to make a statement. A pivotal 17-4 run midway through the final 20 minutes shifted the momentum firmly in Auburn's favor. With 14:03 remaining and the Tigers trailing 54-53, they scored 13 unanswered points, building a significant lead that Creighton couldn't overcome.
Notably, freshman guard Tahaad Pettiford delivered an outstanding performance, leading the team with 23 points, a significant contribution helped by a stellar shooting percentage of 50% from the field and an impressive 7-of-8 from the free-throw line. His efforts from the bench proved critical as Auburn's reserves contributed 31 points overall, an essential factor in their success.
Alongside Pettiford, Chad Baker-Mazara and Denver Jones provided substantial offensive support. Baker-Mazara scored 17 points, including 12 crucial ones in a flurry during the second half. Jones followed with 15 points, contributing to the robust offensive display that left Creighton scrambling to catch up.
Dylan Cardwell, although not scoring significantly, played a vital role in maintaining defensive pressure with his six points, four rebounds, two blocks, and three assists. The Tigers' ability to control the ball and capitalize on Creighton's errors was evident; they turned 11 Bluejay turnovers into 12 points and maintained a commendable seven turnovers of their own.
Auburn's rebounding prowess solidified their victory, as they dominated the boards with a 37-27 advantage over Creighton. Chaney Johnson's presence in the paint was notable, as he recorded eight rebounds while also shooting 66% from the field.
Looking ahead, Auburn's victory sets the stage for a highly anticipated showdown against the No. 5 seed Michigan on March 28, 2025, at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. Michigan advanced by defeating Texas A&M, 91-79. Auburn has opened as a 9.5-point favorite for the matchup, drawing attention as they aim for a deeper run in the tournament.
The Tigers' recent performances have been somewhat inconsistent; entering the NCAA Tournament, they had lost three of their last four games. Nonetheless, this emphatic win over Creighton demonstrates their potential and resilience, a testament to their capabilities when fully motivated.
The anticipation for the upcoming game against Michigan is palpable, especially as both teams seek a coveted spot in the Elite Eight. With Auburn’s strong track record—including a 14-game winning streak from December to March—there is considerable optimism among the fans and analysts alike about the Tigers’ chances of success.
While Auburn celebrates this victory, they remain acutely aware of the challenges ahead. Facing teams like Michigan, known for their impressive performance, will require Auburn to maintain their intensity, adherence to strategy, and depth contributor roles that have been instrumental to their success thus far in the tournament.
As March Madness continues, fans can expect thrilling performances as Auburn aims to ride this momentum into further rounds, hopeful for a return to the final stages of an NCAA Tournament that has seen them come so close in recent years.
