ATLANTA – The fifth-seeded Michigan Wolverines faced a daunting challenge as they went toe-to-toe with the top-seeded Auburn Tigers in a highly anticipated Sweet 16 matchup on Friday, March 28, 2025, at State Farm Arena. With both teams vying for a coveted spot in the Elite Eight, the stakes were high, and the atmosphere electric.
The Wolverines, entering the game with a record of 27-9, were riding a wave of momentum after defeating UC San Diego and Texas A&M in the previous rounds. Michigan's head coach, Dusty May, has revitalized the program, leading them to their 19th Sweet 16 appearance and their first tournament games in Atlanta since their 2013 Final Four run.
Auburn, boasting a formidable 30-5 record, was the tournament’s No. 1 overall seed and had proven their mettle by defeating Alabama State and Creighton in the first two rounds. As the game tipped off at 9:39 p.m. ET, the Tigers were favored by 8.5 points, reflecting their status as the SEC’s regular-season champions.
From the outset, both teams showcased their strengths. Michigan's twin towers, senior center Vladislav Goldin and fellow big man Danny Wolf, were expected to play a pivotal role in the Wolverines' game plan. Goldin, who leads the team with an impressive 16.8 points per game, and Wolf, averaging nearly 10 rebounds, were tasked with battling Auburn’s star forward, Johni Broome, who came into the game averaging 18.5 points and 10.7 rebounds.
As the first half unfolded, the game quickly turned into a back-and-forth affair. Michigan managed to grab an early lead, widening it to as many as nine points thanks to a three-point play by Roddy Gayle and consecutive baskets from Wolf. However, Auburn responded with a burst of energy, going on a 10-0 run to regain the lead. By halftime, the Tigers held a slim advantage, leading 30-29, with both teams committing a combined total of 18 turnovers.
At the break, Wolf led all scorers with 11 points, while Broome contributed 10 points for Auburn. The frenetic pace of play continued into the second half, with both teams struggling to maintain control of the ball. Auburn's defense tightened, and they quickly extended their lead to 57-50 with just over seven minutes remaining, thanks in part to a 14-2 scoring run.
Despite the challenges, Michigan remained resilient. Tim McCormick, a former player and analyst, had predicted before the game that the Wolverines would win by one point, highlighting their depth and May's superior coaching acumen compared to Auburn’s Bruce Pearl. McCormick emphasized the importance of avoiding foul trouble for key players like Goldin and Wolf, stating, "Michigan gets beat by 20 points if either one of those guys gets in bad foul trouble. They need to combine for 40 points to have a chance to win this game."
As the clock wound down, Michigan faced a critical moment. The Wolverines needed to rally, and their ability to execute offensively became paramount. McCormick had also noted the necessity for Gayle and Nimari Burnett to combine for at least 20 points and five three-pointers to balance the offense.
With the game still hanging in the balance, Michigan's Tre Donaldson, who had previously played for Auburn, was determined to show his former team what they let slip away. His performance would be crucial, as McCormick pointed out that if Donaldson could replicate his clutch play from earlier in the tournament, he could be the difference-maker.
As the final minutes approached, the tension in the arena was palpable. Michigan's defense tightened, and they fought hard to contain Auburn's perimeter players, who were likened to the Boston Celtics due to their shooting prowess. Both teams were playing recklessly, with turnovers plaguing their efforts to gain a foothold. The Wolverines shot just 36% from the field, while Auburn struggled at 31%.
In the end, the outcome of the game remained uncertain as both teams battled fiercely. Michigan's players were urged to be disciplined defensively, knowing that every possession counted in a game of this magnitude. The winner would earn the right to face either second-seeded Michigan State or sixth-seeded Ole Miss in the Elite Eight on Sunday.
As the final buzzer approached, the excitement of March Madness was on full display, with both teams leaving everything on the court. Fans were on the edge of their seats, eager to see if the Wolverines could pull off the upset against the top-seeded Tigers.
In a tournament filled with surprises and fierce competition, Michigan's journey was far from over. With their sights set on the Final Four, the Wolverines were determined to continue their remarkable run, fueled by the unwavering support of their fans and the belief that anything was possible in the NCAA tournament.
