By: Anthony Evangelista
Next time I’ll tell you something you don’t already know.
Auburn came out of the Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight victorious, capturing the South region and a trip to the Final Four in San Antonio next weekend. After bustling through the gauntlet of Michigan teams, the Tigers are hunting their first ever championship appearance, with only the Florida Gators standing in their path.
Sweet Sixteen: Auburn 78, Michigan 65
The No. 1 seed Tigers came away with a strong win, defeating the No. 5 seed Michigan Wolverines 78-65. After a closely contested first half, with Auburn leading 30-29 at halftime, the Wolverines surged ahead to a 48-39 lead with 12:26 remaining. However, Auburn responded with a decisive 28-6 run to regain control and secure the victory. The Tigers’ defense intensified during this stretch, limiting Michigan’s offensive opportunities. Auburn’s offensive rebounding and transition play were pivotal in overcoming the deficit and advancing to the Elite Eight. Johni Broome had a brilliant performance, putting up 22 points and 16 rebounds in the staunch victory.
Elite Eight: Auburn 70, Michigan State 64
In the Elite Eight matchup on Sunday, Auburn faced the No. 2 seed Michigan State Spartans. The Tigers emerged victorious with a 70-64 win, earning their second Final Four appearance under head coach Bruce Pearl. Broome led Auburn with 25 points and 14 rebounds, despite a scare with an elbow injury during the game. After receiving medical attention in the locker room, Broome returned to the court with about five minutes remaining, contributing significantly to the Tigers’ triumph. The Spartans couldn’t hit anything, finishing with a field goal percentage of 34.4%. Auburn’s 17-0 run in the first half proved pivotal in establishing a lead that Michigan State couldn’t overcome.
Final Four Preview: Auburn vs. Florida
Auburn will face the Florida Gators in the Final Four, ensuring that only one SEC team will advance to the national championship game. Florida has demonstrated resilience throughout the tournament, overcoming significant challenges with clutch performances from senior guard Walter Clayton Jr., including an incredible come-from-behind win against Texas Tech on Saturday. The Gators’ balanced attack and defensive tenacity will test Auburn’s versatility and experience. With perhaps the strongest Final Four in recent history, all remaining squads have a shot at the title. However, if Broome’s injury proves to be less than serious, expect the Auburn Tigers to have a clear shot to be the next NCAA champions.
