Basketball score between Auburn and Michigan: Tigers defeat Wolverines to go to the Elite Eight.
The Auburn Tigers proved to be too much for the Michigan Wolverines in the second half of their men’s March Madness game on Friday.
The Tigers earned the 78-65 victory, pulling away in the second half after a tight opening 20 minutes to reach the Elite Eight in Atlanta. Three players scored more than 18 points apiece for the Tigers, led by SEC Player of the Year Johni Broome. Auburn is the tournament’s No. 1 overall seed and the SEC’s regular-season champion.
It was the Tigers’ defense that caused trouble for the Wolverines, who were left scoreless for long stretches of the second half.
“I just thought we played great defensively with unbelievable effort and energy,” Auburn coach Bruce Pearl told CBS Sports after the game.
The Wolverines were making their 19th Sweet 16 appearance, having reached the round in each of their last six NCAA appearances. Michigan was led by Danny Wolf, who scored 20 points and shot 50% from the field.
Auburn vs. Michigan men’s basketball score
Auburn beats Michigan 78-65 in the Sweet 16 contest Friday in Atlanta. The Tigers finished the game on a 33-14 scoring run to advance to their third Elite Eight.
Auburn’s Johni Broome led the way with 22 points and 16 rebounds, while Tahaad Pettiford came off the bench to score 20 points and Denver Jones also hit 20. It is the first time in Auburn’s tournament history that it has had three different players score 18 or more points.
Auburn vs. Michigan highlights
No. 1 seed Auburn beat No. 5 seed Michigan 78-65. Watch the video for best action from the game.
Johni Broome stats today
Johni Broome has a double-double with 22 points and 16 rebounds for the Tigers. It was Broome’s fourth game with a double-double (10 points and 11 rebounds) in the first half this season.
Danny Wolf stats today
Danny Wolf has a team-high 20 points and six rebounds for Michigan in the second half. With six minutes left in the second half, Wolf was the only double-digit scorer for the Wolverines.
Michigan State will play Auburn
As a result of Auburn winning its Sweet 16 matchup, the Tigers will play the Michigan State Spartans in the Elite Eight.
“(The Spartans) do it the right way and they will be an honorable opponent,” Pearl told CBS Sports. “We have 24 hours to get ready for them.”
Michigan State coach Tom Izzo was spotted with Michigan State alumnus Steve Smith in the crowd, watching Auburn play against Michigan on Friday night.
Smith played for the Spartans (1987-91). He now works as a basketball analyst for Turner Sports. The Spartans are 30-6 and were Big 10 regular-season champions.
Auburn starting lineup
Guard Denver Jones
Guard Miles Kelly
Guard Chad Baker-Mazara
Forward Johni Broome
Center Dylan Cardwell
Michigan starting lineup
Guard Tre Donaldson
Guard Rubin Jones
Guard Nimari Burnett
Forward Daniel Wolf
Center Vladislav Goldin