Auburn basketball is on the brink of making history as they face off against Michigan in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16. The top-seeded Tigers, boasting a record of 30-5, are looking to secure their place in the Elite Eight with a win over the fifth-seeded Wolverines. The matchup is set to take place on Friday, March 28, 2025, at 9:39 p.m. ET at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.
The stakes couldn’t be higher for both teams. The winner of this thrilling contest will advance to face the victor of the Michigan State versus Ole Miss game, which is also happening on Friday night. As the tournament progresses, all eyes are on the championship final scheduled for April 7 at the Alamodome in San Antonio.
Fans can catch all the action live on CBS, with streaming options available through Paramount+, DirecTV, and Hulu with Live TV. Paramount+ offers an affordable $8/month ad-supported tier and a $13/month premium tier for ad-free viewing. New subscribers can even take advantage of a free trial to catch the excitement of March Madness.
As the game approaches, Auburn basketball legend Charles Barkley expressed his concerns about the team’s performance leading into the Sweet 16. During a halftime analysis, Barkley voiced his frustration over Auburn's lackluster first half in their previous game, stating, "I was disturbed and disgusted by that first half of basketball. Ten turnovers. I always say the two most important statistics in basketball are rebounds and turnovers. We’ve got to value the basketball." His words highlight the importance of ball security as the Tigers look to improve their play against a formidable opponent.
In the first half of their Sweet 16 matchup, Auburn managed to hold a slim lead over Michigan, leading 30-29 at halftime. However, the Tigers struggled with turnovers, committing 10 in the first half alone. Auburn shot only 32% from the field and a dismal 19% from beyond the arc. Despite these struggles, SEC Player of the Year Johni Broome stood out with a double-double, recording 10 points and 11 rebounds.
"We’ve got the lead, but if we don’t win this game, it’s because of the turnovers we had in the first half," Barkley continued. His insights resonate with both players and fans, emphasizing the need for improvement as the game progresses.
Auburn's head coach, Bruce Pearl, echoed similar sentiments, urging his team to take better care of the basketball. "We got to do a better job of taking care of the basketball," he said during a timeout. The Tigers have shown resilience throughout the season, with a strong record against SEC opponents (16-4) and a remarkable 14-1 in non-conference play.
As the game unfolds, Auburn's strategy will be crucial. The Tigers have averaged an impressive 83.8 points per game this season, outscoring opponents by an average of 14.4 points. Their defensive prowess will be tested against Michigan, who has a solid record of 27-9 and is known for their ability to make critical 3-pointers. The Wolverines average 8.2 made three-pointers per game, which poses a challenge for Auburn’s defense.
Live updates from the game reveal that the atmosphere at State Farm Arena is electric, with Auburn fans rallying behind their team. The Tigers have played several neutral-site games at this venue in the past, boasting a 4-1 record in their last five appearances. Auburn's familiarity with the arena could provide them with a significant advantage as they look to capitalize on their home-court feel.
As the second half progresses, Auburn will need to tighten their defense and maintain their composure. The battle of the backcourts will be a key focus, as Auburn's guards have been instrumental in their scoring efforts throughout the tournament. With a strong performance from players like Miles Kelly, who has averaged 13.6 points per game over the last ten games, the Tigers will look to build momentum and secure their spot in the Elite Eight.
With the clock ticking down, every possession counts. Auburn’s ability to control the game and minimize turnovers will be critical as they strive for victory. The Sweet 16 matchup against Michigan promises to be a thrilling contest, filled with intensity and high stakes.
As fans tune in for what promises to be an unforgettable showdown, all eyes will be on Auburn as they attempt to navigate through the challenges posed by Michigan. Will the Tigers rise to the occasion and secure their place in the next round? The answer lies just moments away as March Madness continues to deliver excitement and drama.
