Auburn’s journey through the NCAA Tournament has been a rollercoaster of emotions. However, on Friday night, the Tigers proved they belong among the best. With a dominant second-half performance, they roared past Michigan 78-65. Not only that, they secured their place in the Elite Eight. They moved one step closer to only the second Final Four in program history.
Chad Baker-Mazara’s Impact on Auburn’s Edge
While the stat sheet may not fully reflect his contributions, Chad Baker-Mazara played a critical role in Auburn’s victory. Scoring just six points, his influence stretched far beyond numbers, as his energy and attitude set the tone for the Tigers’ aggressive play. ESPN analyst Seth Greenberg highlighted Baker-Mazara’s importance on “College GameDay,” emphasizing how his presence fuels the entire squad.
“I think Auburn got their edge back,” Greenberg said.
“I think Auburn got their edge back.” 👀 @SethOnHoops on how the Tigers got back to their best basketball to make the Elite Eight 🔥 pic.twitter.com/MkADsv4je9
— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) March 29, 2025
“Chad Baker-Mazara’s the guy that stirs the drink. And when Chad Baker-Mazara is behind the line, he’s not worth anything. He’s getting thrown out of the game when he crosses the line. But when he straddles that line and has that little bit of an edge, the rest of the team plays with that edge. And I thought that he made some big plays down the stretch.”
That edge was evident as Auburn, which had struggled heading into the tournament, found its rhythm just in time. After losing three of their last four regular-season games, the Tigers flipped the switch in March Madness, taking down Alabama State and Creighton. Now Michigan advances to the South Regional final against Michigan State.
The game itself had all the ingredients of a classic tournament thriller. Michigan came out strong, capitalizing on Auburn’s early mistakes to build a nine-point lead. The Tigers appeared sluggish, unable to match the Wolverines’ energy.
However, as the second half progressed, Auburn began to claw its way back into contention. In just two and a half minutes, they erased Michigan’s lead with a relentless surge, shifting the momentum entirely in their favor.
Auburn’s Fiery Comeback Fuels Victory
Despite some heated moments on the sideline, Greenberg believed that Auburn’s passionate in-game disputes worked in their favor.
“When they got down 10, I don’t mind the bickering. I think it kind of raises the temperature of the whole team. That’s who they are. That’s who they are, and they feed off it,” Greenberg said.
Once Auburn seized control, there was no looking back. Their high-energy, aggressive play style overwhelmed Michigan, turning a competitive battle into a one-sided affair. With just over a minute remaining, the game was essentially decided, but that didn’t stop the Tigers from reveling in the moment. Freshman guard Tahaad Pettiford dribbled up the court with one hand, motioning to the Auburn fans to get louder with the other. The crowd erupted, filling State Farm Arena with deafening chants, “It’s great! To be! An Au-burn Tiger!”
It was a fitting scene, as Pettiford, Johni Broome, and Denver Jones had been instrumental in Auburn’s second-half domination. Their energy, combined with the sheer force of the Tigers’ defense, left Michigan scrambling for answers they simply couldn’t find.
This victory was about more than just advancing in the tournament—it was a statement. Auburn didn’t just beat Michigan; they overpowered them. They turned a tense, back-and-forth contest into a display of dominance, proving that few teams can match their intensity when they are locked in.
KEEP READING: Michigan State vs. Auburn Prediction: Tigers Look to Claim a Ticket to the Final Four
With momentum on their side, the Tigers now set their sights on Michigan State in the Elite Eight. It will be another tough battle, but Auburn has already shown that it thrives under pressure.
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