Auburn Surges Past Michigan in Sweet 16 Thriller

On March 28, 2025, the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament heated up at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, as the top-seeded Auburn Tigers (31-5) took on the No. 5-seeded Michigan Wolverines (27-10) in a crucial Sweet 16 battle. In a game that showcased resilience and momentum shifts, Auburn ultimately triumphed 78-65, advancing to the Elite Eight.

A Game of Two Halves

The first half was a closely contested affair, with Michigan holding a slim 29-28 advantage at the break. However, Auburn regrouped in the second half. Facing a nine-point deficit with just over 12 minutes remaining, the Tigers ignited a decisive comeback. They outscored Michigan 39-17 in the final stretch—a run that not only erased the deficit but sealed their victory.

A key factor in Auburn’s surge was their dominance on the boards. With 48 rebounds compared to Michigan’s 33, the Tigers capitalized on second-chance opportunities and shifted the momentum in their favor.

Standout Performances

Auburn’s victory was built on impressive individual performances. Johni Broome led the charge with 22 points and 16 rebounds, including a crucial 10-point burst in the second half. Freshman Tahaad Pettiford contributed 20 points, knocking down four three-pointers, while senior Denver Jones also tallied 20 points, hitting a pivotal three to claim the lead with just over five minutes remaining.

For Michigan, Danny Wolf was the top scorer with 20 points, supported by Vlad Goldin, who put up 15 points along with a double-double of 10 rebounds. Despite these efforts, Michigan’s offense couldn’t withstand Auburn’s defensive adjustments and relentless rebounding.

Coaching Insights

Auburn coach Bruce Pearl praised his team’s determination after the game:

“Our guys showed a lot of heart tonight. We were down, but we kept fighting. Tahaad and Denver were exceptional, and Johni did what he always does—dominating the boards and scoring inside.”
He also acknowledged Michigan’s quality, noting the standout contributions of Goldin and Wolf, with Wolf’s unique blend of size and skill drawing comparisons to legendary ball handlers.

Michigan’s coach Dusty May, while conceding the loss, reflected on the challenge posed by Auburn:

“Auburn is a great team, and they made the plays when it mattered most. We had our chances, but credit to them for stepping up in the second half.”

What’s Next?

Auburn’s impressive comeback propels them into the Elite Eight, where they are set to face Michigan State on March 30, 2025, at 5:05 p.m. ET on CBS. A win in that matchup could send them one step closer to the Final Four, marking only the third time in school history that Auburn has reached this stage. For Michigan, the season concludes with a commendable Sweet 16 appearance, marking their sixth consecutive run in the tournament.

Tournament Dynamics

This matchup was not just a test of skill but also a clash of contrasting styles. Auburn’s reliance on interior strength and aggressive rebounding went head-to-head against Michigan’s twin 7-footers. Although Michigan managed to hold their own early on, Auburn’s second-half adjustments—particularly from their backcourt—proved to be the game changer in this high-stakes contest.