Who will Auburn face next in the 2025 NCAA Tournament? Updates to the Elite Eight bracket

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Who will Auburn face next in the 2025 NCAA Tournament? Updates to the Elite Eight bracket

The Auburn Tigers are one step away from the Final Four as they prepare to take on the Michigan State Spartans in the Elite Eight of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. This highly anticipated matchup is set to take place on Sunday, March 30, at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:05 p.m. EDT, with national television coverage on CBS.

Auburn’s Path to the Elite Eight

Auburn, the No. 1 seed in the South Region, has displayed dominance throughout the tournament. The Tigers opened their campaign with an emphatic 87-65 victory over No. 16 Vermont in the first round. They then faced a resilient No. 8 Oklahoma team, pulling away late for a 78-70 win in the Round of 32. In the Sweet 16, Auburn overcame No. 4 Baylor in a thrilling 83-77 battle, showcasing their elite guard play and depth.

Head coach Bruce Pearl has led Auburn with a fast-paced offensive approach and a disciplined defense, key components that have fueled their success. Jaylin Harper, the team’s star guard, has been a standout performer, averaging 22 points per game in the tournament. The Tigers also rely on forward Johni Broome to dominate in the paint and provide defensive stability.

Michigan State’s Journey

The No. 2 seed in the South Region, Michigan State, has battled its way through a challenging bracket. The Spartans defeated No. 15 Colgate with ease in the first round, followed by a gritty win against No. 7 Memphis in the Round of 32. In the Sweet 16, they faced No. 3 Marquette in an overtime thriller, ultimately prevailing 79-74 to advance to the Elite Eight.

Under the leadership of legendary coach Tom Izzo, Michigan State has thrived on its trademark defensive intensity and disciplined execution. The Spartans are led by veteran point guard A.J. Hoggard, who has provided both scoring and leadership, while Mady Sissoko has anchored the team’s rebounding efforts.

Key Matchups to Watch

  1. Auburn’s Backcourt vs. Michigan State’s Defense
    • The Tigers’ explosive guard duo of Harper and K.D. Johnson will be tested against the Spartans’ disciplined perimeter defense.
  2. Rebounding Battle
    • Michigan State’s Sissoko is a dominant force on the boards, but Auburn’s Johni Broome will look to control the paint and limit second-chance opportunities.
  3. Coaching Chess Match: Bruce Pearl vs. Tom Izzo
    • Two of the most respected coaches in college basketball go head-to-head in a strategic battle for a Final Four berth.

Updated 2025 NCAA Tournament Elite Eight Bracket

South Region (Atlanta, GA)

  • No. 1 Auburn vs. No. 2 Michigan State

West Region (Los Angeles, CA)

  • No. 1 Florida vs. No. 3 Texas Tech

East Region (Boston, MA)

  • No. 1 Duke vs. No. 2 Alabama

Midwest Region (Kansas City, MO)

  • No. 1 Houston vs. No. 2 Tennessee

With all four No. 1 seeds advancing to the Elite Eight, this year’s tournament has lived up to the hype, setting the stage for a dramatic Final Four.

What’s at Stake?

The winner of Auburn vs. Michigan State will earn a trip to the Final Four in San Antonio, Texas, set to begin on April 6 at the Alamodome. Auburn is seeking its first Final Four appearance since 2019, while Michigan State is aiming for its ninth trip under Tom Izzo.

As the Tigers and Spartans prepare for battle, fans can expect an intense and competitive showdown between two of college basketball’s premier programs. Stay tuned for more updates as the NCAA Tournament continues!

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