The stage is set for an electrifying Sweet 16 showdown as the No. 1 seed Auburn Tigers face the No. 5 seed Michigan Wolverines at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. With both teams riding momentum, Friday night’s battle promises high-stakes drama and elite-level competition when they tip off at 9:39 p.m. ET.
Auburn enters as the SEC regular-season champion, earning a No. 1 seed despite falling in the SEC Tournament semifinals. Meanwhile, Michigan’s strong tournament run has reignited its championship aspirations, proving it is a formidable contender. This sets up a high-stakes collision between two basketball powerhouses with Final Four dreams and legacies on the line.
Key Player Matchups
The matchup features an elite frontcourt battle between Auburn’s Johni Broome and Michigan’s towering duo of Danny Wolf and Vlad Goldin.
Broome, Auburn’s 6’10” junior, brings an impressive 18.4 points and 10.6 rebounds per game to the table as the Tigers’ go-to star while challenging opponents with his 2.4 blocks per game. His post moves, putbacks, and mid-range jumpers make him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Michigan counters with a formidable twin-tower lineup featuring 7-footer Danny Wolf and 7’1″ Vlad Goldin. Wolf’s versatile all-around game and passing skills present unique matchup challenges, while Goldin’s rim protection will be critical in limiting Auburn’s interior scoring threats.
Interestingly, Wolf played for Yale last year when it upset Auburn in the opening round, adding an element of personal revenge to this already intense contest. While the big men will draw much of the attention, the backcourt duel could determine the outcome.
Auburn’s Devan Cambridge has emerged as a lethal perimeter threat. He has averaged 12.8 points per game while shooting 39.3% from beyond the arc and has made 84 three-pointers this season. His high-energy play provides the Tigers with critical floor spacing, transition scoring, and a reliable late-game option.
Michigan’s offense is led by junior point guard Dug McDaniel, whose speed and passing ability drive the Wolverines’ attack. Although McDaniel is 5’11”, his elusive ball-handling and ability to break down defenses in transition make him a serious threat.
His matchup against Auburn’s Tre Donaldson will be key in determining which team dictates the pace and generates more efficient shot opportunities.
Statistical Showdown and Tournament Legacy
Both teams bring strong statistical profiles into this matchup. Auburn averages 83.8 points per game (ninth nationally) while allowing 69.4, showcasing its balanced approach.
Michigan puts up 79.1 points per contest while surrendering 71.4. The Tigers secured the SEC regular-season title with a 15-3 conference record, while the Wolverines finished second in the Big Ten at 14-6.
This win-or-go-home battle carries enormous stakes for both programs. Auburn seeks its second-ever Elite Eight appearance, aiming to build on its historic 2019 Final Four run.
KEEP READING: March Madness Fun Facts: Surprising Stats and Records You Need To Know
Michigan hopes for its third Elite Eight berth in seven tournaments, looking to add another chapter to its storied NCAA Tournament history, which includes the 1989 national championship.
With NBA scouts evaluating top prospects and legacy-defining moments on the line, expect intensity from the opening tip to the final buzzer in what promises to be one of the most competitive matchups of the Sweet 16.
Don’t miss a moment of March Madness! Download your 2025 NCAA Tournament printable bracket and stay on top of every game, matchup, and Cinderella story. Get yours now!
