Auburn beats Michigan State and advances to Final Four

In Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday, March 30, 2025, Michigan State faced Auburn in the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. The No. 8 seed Spartans sought to secure a spot in the Final Four against the top-seeded Tigers. Michigan State had previously beaten Ole Miss in a close Sweet 16 game, while Auburn rolled past Michigan with a convincing victory to reach this point. The matchup not only marked a significant game for both teams but also renewed a rivalry between freshman guards Jase Richardson of Michigan State and Tahaad Pettiford of Auburn, who had faced each other numerous times in the AAU circuit. Auburn quickly gained momentum by taking command in the first half, with Johni Broome scoring 25 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. The Tigers managed to build a lead with an impressive 17 unanswered points, making it difficult for the Spartans to recover. Michigan State, however, put up a valiant effort, attempting to close the gap as the game progressed. Their star guard, Jase Richardson, contributed significantly, scoring multiple key baskets during critical moments. Ultimately, Auburn's performance proved too much for Michigan State, sealing the game's outcome with a 70-64 win. This victory marked Auburn's second Final Four appearance, with their first coming in 2019. Auburn's coach, Bruce Pearl, noted that the win underscored the program's growth, while Michigan State coach Tom Izzo, who was one win away from his ninth Final Four, expressed disappointment in falling short but acknowledged the consistent strength of his program over the years. This significant victory not only highlighted Auburn's capability to compete against top-seeded teams but also illustrated the evolving landscape of college basketball, as the NCAA Tournament continues to witness the ascension of teams looking to make their mark on the sport.