Auburn vs. Michigan State: Elite 8 Live Updates – Spartans Battle Tigers in a Thrilling NCAA Tournament Showdown
The road to the Final Four is never easy, and for both Auburn and Michigan State, each step forward is a monumental achievement. As these two powerhouses face off in the Elite 8 of the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Both teams are filled with talent, passion, and championship aspirations, making this matchup one of the most anticipated games of the tournament.
The Auburn Tigers, led by head coach Bruce Pearl, have proven themselves as one of the top teams in the nation this season. With an explosive offense and a deep roster that boasts both offensive firepower and defensive grit, the Tigers have dominated throughout the tournament. They’re looking to reach their second-ever Final Four and make a run at their first national title.
On the other hand, Michigan State, under the guidance of Hall of Fame coach Tom Izzo, is no stranger to March Madness success. The Spartans have consistently made deep tournament runs, and their experience in high-pressure situations could give them the edge in this intense battle. With a mix of youth and veteran leadership, Michigan State is hungry to prove they belong among the tournament’s elite.
With both teams eager to make a statement and punch their tickets to Houston for the Final Four, this game promises to be an electric spectacle from start to finish. Let’s dive into the live updates and see how this Elite 8 clash is unfolding!
First Half: Intensity from the Tip-Off
The game begins with a palpable sense of urgency. Auburn gets the first possession, and their offense starts hot with point guard Wendell Green Jr. driving to the basket and drawing a foul. Green, one of Auburn’s key players, makes his free throws to give the Tigers an early 2-0 lead. The pace is fast, with both teams looking to push the ball in transition and create quick opportunities.
Michigan State responds with their own energy. Spartan forward Malik Hall gets off to a strong start, contributing with a bucket inside and then hitting a three-pointer from the top of the key. Hall’s versatility and ability to stretch the floor are critical for the Spartans as they try to match Auburn’s fast-paced offense.
Auburn’s defense, which has been a key strength throughout the tournament, is tested early. The Tigers struggle to contain Michigan State’s movement and offensive sets, but they are able to generate a couple of turnovers and transition into easy points on the other end. Forward Johni Broome is making his presence felt inside, scoring efficiently in the paint, while also blocking shots on the defensive end.
The first media timeout comes with Michigan State leading 12-9, and both teams are showcasing their skill on both ends of the floor. The Tigers, known for their three-point shooting prowess, have yet to hit a deep shot, but they’re getting good looks. As the game progresses, Auburn begins to find its rhythm from beyond the arc. The Tigers’ shooters — particularly Allen Flanigan and Chris Morris — start knocking down big three-pointers, making the game even more exciting.
As the first half continues, Auburn’s offense begins to flow, and they’re able to push ahead, leading 28-22 at the 7:30 mark. Michigan State, however, is not backing down. Tyson Walker, the Spartans’ star guard, is orchestrating the offense beautifully and has an answer every time Auburn tries to create separation. Walker nails a clutch three-pointer to bring Michigan State within three, showing his ability to handle the pressure of big moments.
With both teams trading baskets, the physicality of the game is evident. The big men are battling for position in the paint, while both squads continue to be aggressive on the glass. Auburn’s size inside, especially from Broome and 7-footer Dylan Cardwell, has been difficult for Michigan State to match, but the Spartans are finding ways to fight back.
With under a minute remaining in the half, Auburn holds a slim 40-38 lead. Michigan State’s Hall hits another timely jumper to tie the game at 40 with just 15 seconds left. Auburn has one last possession to take the lead before halftime, and Wendell Green Jr. drives to the basket, drawing a foul and heading to the free-throw line. Green coolly sinks both free throws, and Auburn heads into the locker room with a 42-40 lead.
Second Half: Spartans Surge, Tigers Respond
The second half opens with both teams coming out with high energy. Michigan State looks to have adjusted their defensive strategy, switching to a more aggressive man-to-man defense. This puts more pressure on Auburn’s perimeter players to make plays. Early on, it seems to work, as Auburn struggles to get open looks, and Michigan State forces a couple of turnovers.
But Auburn isn’t fazed. They weather the storm and continue to get high-quality shots. Chris Morris, a talented guard for the Tigers, hits a couple of big three-pointers that spark the crowd and give Auburn a five-point lead. Morris’s hot shooting from beyond the arc has been crucial, and his ability to space the floor opens up driving lanes for Green and Broome.
The Spartans respond with a strong showing from Malik Hall, who scores back-to-back baskets to tie the game at 50. Michigan State’s defense starts to tighten up, forcing Auburn into difficult shots, and they quickly grab a 53-50 lead after a fast break layup by Walker. The Spartans’ defensive adjustments and energy shift the momentum, and now it’s Auburn’s turn to battle back.
Auburn coach Bruce Pearl calls for a timeout, and his message is clear: stay composed, focus on executing the offense, and keep attacking the rim. The Tigers come out of the timeout with renewed energy, and Broome once again proves why he’s one of the top forwards in the country, scoring efficiently inside and blocking another shot on the defensive end. His dominance in the post helps Auburn reclaim the lead, 58-55.
With 10 minutes left in the game, it’s clear that this one is going to come down to the wire. Both teams are locked in defensively, and every possession is critical. Michigan State gets a huge basket from forward Jaden Akins, who scores on a difficult contested shot. With the score tied at 60, the game is on the edge of a knife.
Final Minutes: Tension Builds
As the final minutes approach, the atmosphere in the arena reaches a fever pitch. Both teams are exhausted, but neither is willing to give an inch. Auburn’s defense continues to stifle Michigan State’s offensive flow, with Broome and Cardwell dominating the paint. However, the Spartans refuse to back down, and Tyson Walker sinks a huge three-pointer to give Michigan State a 65-63 lead with just over three minutes remaining.
Auburn quickly responds with Green driving to the basket and converting a tough layup to tie the game at 65. It’s clear that this will be a battle of wills in the final moments.
In the final minute, the game is tied at 70, and Auburn has the ball with a chance to take the lead. Wendell Green Jr. makes a move to the basket, but Michigan State’s defense collapses on him. Green kicks it out to Allen Flanigan, who has a wide-open look from three. He takes the shot, and the ball sails through the air — swish! The crowd erupts as Auburn takes a 73-70 lead with just 10 seconds left.
Michigan State calls a quick timeout, and with 7 seconds remaining, they have one last chance to tie the game or take the lead. The Spartans inbound the ball to Walker, who drives toward the hoop but is met by Broome, who contests the shot. Walker misses the layup, and Auburn secures the rebound. Green is fouled, and after hitting two free throws, Auburn takes a 75-70 lead with just 2 seconds remaining.
With the game essentially over, Michigan State’s last-second desperation heave is off the mark, and Auburn secures a 75-70 victory, advancing to the Final Four for the second time in school history.
Post-Game Analysis: Auburn’s Resilience Shines
In an exhilarating matchup that featured high-level basketball from both teams, Auburn emerged victorious, with their defense and clutch shooting down the stretch proving to be the difference-maker. The Tigers were led by Wendell Green Jr., who finished with 20 points and 6 assists, while Johni Broome was dominant in the paint, contributing 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 blocks.
For Michigan State, Tyson Walker had a standout performance, scoring 23 points and dishing out 5 assists, while Malik Hall’s all-around game kept the Spartans in it. However, the lack of consistent offense from the supporting cast, combined with Auburn’s lockdown defense in the final minutes, ultimately proved too much for Michigan State to overcome.
Auburn will now look ahead to the Final Four, where they will face another tough opponent as they chase the ultimate prize — a national championship.
In the end, this game will be remembered as a thrilling showcase of talent, grit, and determination. Both teams left everything on the floor, but Auburn’s resilience in the final moments allowed them to emerge victorious and continue their dream of making history.