Auburn Faces Michigan in Sweet 16 Showdown at State Farm Arena

ATLANTA, GA — The Auburn Tigers, the top overall seed in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, take on the fifth-seeded Michigan Wolverines Friday evening in a Sweet 16 matchup at State Farm Arena. The game is set to tip off at 9:39 p.m. ET, with both teams vying for a place in the Elite Eight.

Auburn earned its status as the No. 1 seed by winning the SEC regular-season title, while Michigan is aiming to return to the Final Four for the first time since 2013. This game marks the first time the Wolverines have played NCAA Tournament games in Atlanta since their memorable run a decade ago.

“It’s always exciting to compete at this level, and we’re looking forward to showcasing our skills,” said Auburn forward Johni Broome. “Our coaching staff has put together an excellent scout, and we are confident in our game plan.”

In their previous matchups, the Tigers have been a formidable force on both ends of the court. Currently, Auburn holds a strong statistical advantage, with a defense ranked in the top 15 nationally, particularly effective against three-point shooters.

The teams are familiar with one another, having met twice in their history, and while Auburn has never taken home a national championship, Michigan boasts one from 1989 and has reached the finals seven times.

As of Friday, March 28, oddsmakers have placed Auburn as the favorite to win, with a spread of 8.5 points. Experts are split on the outcome, acknowledging Michigan’s potential to pull off an upset.

“This is a significant moment for our program,” said Michigan coach Juwan Howard. “We know we face a tough challenge, but our focus is on executing our game plan and trusting in one another.”

Both teams struggled with shooting early on, contributing to a tight score of 8-5 in favor of Auburn with 15:52 left in the first half. Dylan Cardwell of Auburn made a crucial move to secure free-throw opportunities, helping his team maintain momentum.

The game coverage is available across CBS, TBS, and various streaming platforms, aiming to draw a significant audience as fans anticipate which team will advance to the next round toward the coveted Final Four.

In a tournament filled with surprises, the matchup between Auburn and Michigan promises to deliver excitement and intensity as they fight for national glory.