The Auburn Tigers and the Michigan State Spartans in the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament
The 2025 NCAA Tournament’s Elite Eight features a compelling matchup between the No. 2 seed Michigan State Spartans and the No. 1 seed Auburn Tigers at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. The game is scheduled to tip off at 5:05 p.m. ET and will be broadcast nationally on CBS. Viewers without cable can stream the game live through services like Paramount+ with Showtime. These services offer a free trial.
The Auburn Tigers are one of four SEC teams to make it to the Elite Eight. That is not too shabby. The Michigan State Spartans were not predicted to make a splash in the NCAA Tournament, but here we are. Tom Izzo proves over and over again what type of coach he is. Can they pull off the upset today?
2025 March Madness Performance:
- Auburn Tigers: Auburn’s journey to the Elite Eight began with victories over No. 16 Alabama State and No. 9 Creighton. In the Sweet 16, the Tigers showcased resilience by overcoming a nine-point deficit in the second half to defeat No. 5 Michigan with a 78-65 victory.
- Michigan State Spartans: The Spartans commenced their tournament run by defeating No. 15 Bryant and No. 10 New Mexico. In the Sweet 16, Michigan State displayed tenacity, overcoming multiple deficits to edge out No. 6 Ole Miss with a 73-70 win.
Injury Updates:
- Auburn Tigers: Forward Chad Baker-Mazara sustained a hip contusion during the second-round win over Creighton. Despite the injury, he appeared in good spirits post-game and is expected to play in the Elite Eight matchup.
- Michigan State Spartans: There are no significant injury reports for the Spartans leading into this game.
Elite Eight Key Players and Matchups:
Auburn Tigers:
- Johni Broome (Forward): A senior and one of the nation’s top scorers, Broome has been instrumental in Auburn’s success. In the Sweet 16 victory over Michigan, he delivered a dominant performance with 22 points and 16 rebounds.
- Chad Baker-Mazara (Guard/Forward): Averaging 12.3 points per game, Baker-Mazara contributes significantly on both ends of the court. His versatility and experience make him a crucial component of Auburn’s lineup.
- Tahaad Pettiford (Guard): With an average of 11.8 points and 2.9 assists per game, Pettiford plays a key role in orchestrating the Tigers’ offense and providing perimeter scoring.
Michigan State Spartans:
- Jaden Akins (Guard): Leading the Spartans with 12.7 points per game, Akins is a dynamic scorer known for his clutch performances. His ability to penetrate defenses and hit critical shots will be vital for Michigan State.
- Jase Richardson (Guard): Averaging 12.2 points per game, Richardson has been a consistent offensive threat. His proficiency from beyond the arc, with an average of 2.3 made three-pointers over the last 10 games, adds depth to the Spartans’ offense.
- Jaxon Kohler (Forward): Contributing 7.6 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, Kohler’s presence in the paint is crucial for Michigan State’s defense and rebounding efforts. Elevating his performance will be essential in countering Auburn’s strong frontcourt.
The battle between Johni Broome and Michigan State’s forwards, particularly Jaxon Kohler, is a key matchup to watch. Broome’s scoring and rebounding prowess will challenge the Spartans’ interior defense. Therefore, Kohler’s defensive performance is crucial. His rebounding contributions are critical for Michigan State’s success.
This Elite Eight showdown promises to be a thrilling contest. These standout players are likely to play pivotal roles. They will determine which team advances to the Final Four.
NCAA Tournament Elite Eight Betting Odds:
As of March 30, 2025, the betting odds are as follows:
- Spread: Auburn -5.5; Michigan State +5.5
- Moneyline: Auburn -225; Michigan State +185
- Over/Under: 147.5 points
Viewing Information:
- Date and Time: Sunday, March 30, 2025, at 5:05 p.m. ET
- Location: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, Georgia
- Broadcast: CBS
- Streaming: Paramount+ with Showtime (free trial available)
This Elite Eight clash promises to be an exciting contest between two well-coached teams with contrasting styles. Auburn’s dynamic offense will test Michigan State’s disciplined defense, making for a game that fans won’t want to miss.
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