In a highly anticipated matchup in the NCAA Tournament South Region, the No. 1 seed Auburn Tigers are set to face off against the No. 5 seed Michigan Wolverines in the Sweet 16. The game is scheduled for Friday, March 28, 2025, at 9:39 p.m. ET and will take place at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on this clash of titans as both teams aim for a coveted spot in the Elite Eight.
Auburn enters this matchup as a 7.5-point favorite, reflecting their strong season and impressive performances thus far. The total for the game has been set at Over/Under 150.5, indicating expectations for a high-scoring affair. Fans and bettors alike are eager to see how these two teams will match up, especially considering their contrasting styles of play.
Michigan has had its share of ups and downs in the tournament, but they have proven their resilience. After a shaky start, the Wolverines managed to overcome a 10-point deficit in their Round of 32 game against Texas A&M, ultimately winning 91-79. Roddy Gayle Jr. was a standout performer in that game, scoring 26 points and hitting four three-pointers while going a perfect 8 for 8 from the free-throw line. Additionally, the frontcourt duo of Vladislav Goldin and Danny Wolf combined for an impressive 37 points, 21 rebounds, and six blocks, showcasing their ability to dominate the paint.
However, the Wolverines face a formidable challenge against Auburn, particularly in the rebounding and defensive departments. Auburn's Johni Broome, a legitimate contender for the Wooden Award, will be crucial in this matchup. He will need to find ways to score against Michigan's strong interior defense, which ranks 13th in the nation for two-point percentage defense at 30.9%. If Broome can perform at his best, it could make all the difference for the Tigers.
Auburn's shooting has been a key factor in their success this season. With a three-point shooting percentage of 36.6%, ranking them 44th in the nation, they have the capability to stretch the floor and create opportunities. However, they will face a tough test against Michigan's defense, which ranks 34th in three-point percentage defense at 30.9%. Both teams are known for their defensive prowess, making this matchup intriguing.
On the offensive side, Michigan has struggled at times, ranking 44th in adjusted offensive efficiency. Their three-point shooting has not been consistent, which has raised concerns about their ability to keep pace with Auburn’s high-scoring offense. The Wolverines will need to find a way to get hot from beyond the arc if they hope to compete effectively.
Turnovers have also been a concern for Michigan throughout the tournament. They managed to keep their turnovers to a minimum against Texas A&M, committing only nine in that game. However, they will need to maintain that level of discipline against an Auburn team that excels at forcing turnovers, ranking fifth in the nation with a turnover rate of just 13.4%. If Michigan can limit their mistakes, they may have a chance to keep the game close.
As the game approaches, the tension is palpable. Auburn recently defeated Creighton by 12 points, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure. They are now 10-4 against the spread in non-conference games, a positive sign for their chances in this matchup. The Tigers have shown they can handle the big stage, and their experience may play a crucial role in the outcome.
With both teams having unique strengths and weaknesses, predicting the outcome is no easy task. The estimated score for this matchup stands at Auburn 79, Michigan 71.6, indicating a close contest that could go either way. The excitement surrounding this game is undeniable, and fans are eagerly awaiting the tip-off.
As the tournament continues to unfold, this Sweet 16 matchup between Auburn and Michigan promises to be one of the highlights of March Madness. With the stakes higher than ever, both teams will need to bring their A-game to advance to the next round. Fans can catch all the action live on CBS, making sure not to miss a moment of this thrilling encounter.
