Elite Eight for the Top Overall Seed in the NCAA Tournament
Pettiford and Jones each scored 20 points, leading a dominant second-half comeback as the Tigers defeated Michigan 78-65 in the Sweet 16 on Friday night.
The Tigers (31-5) erased a nine-point deficit, outscoring No. 5 seed Michigan 39-17 in the final 12.5 minutes to advance to the Elite Eight for only the third time in school history.
Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl praised his team’s resilience, saying, “Just the kids’ will to win. Denver got heated up. Tahaad got heated up. We went to them, and they delivered.”
Auburn will now face Michigan State in the South Region final on Sunday, with a spot in the Final Four on the line. The Spartans secured their place with a hard-fought 73-70 victory over Mississippi earlier in the night.
Johni Broome had a standout performance, scoring 22 points and grabbing 16 rebounds, but it was freshman Pettiford and senior Jones who took control when Auburn needed them most.
Michigan’s Story
The Wolverines (27-10) built their largest lead at 49-38 and seemed poised for yet another remarkable comeback under first-year head coach Dusty May.
However, Pettiford ignited Auburn’s rally with a step-back three-pointer, followed by Jones, who drained two consecutive threes before scoring on a driving layup. Pettiford then delivered two dagger shots—one where he lost control of the ball before regaining it and sinking a three, and another three-point play where he was fouled mid-shot and still managed to score before landing flat on his back.
“I saw one go in, and the basket just kept getting bigger and bigger,” Jones said. “So I just kept shooting.”
Danny Wolf led Michigan with 20 points, but no other Wolverines player scored more than 10.
Despite the loss, Michigan’s season remains a significant achievement. After finishing 8-24 last year—a program-worst record that led to the firing of former head coach Juwan Howard—the Wolverines have rebuilt their identity.
“They left a legacy,” May said. “They established an identity. They should be very, very proud of their body of work.”
First Half Struggles
The first half was fast-paced but sloppy, with both teams struggling with turnovers and missed shots.
One chaotic sequence summed it up: Tre Donaldson threw an errant pass that was intercepted, but Auburn quickly gave it back when Chad Baker-Mazara attempted an unnecessary behind-the-back pass, which was stolen by Roddy Gayle Jr. Michigan raced up the court, only for Donaldson to throw another poor lob that sailed out of bounds. In just nine seconds, the teams combined for three turnovers.
Next Match Details
No. 2 seed Michigan State and No. 1 seed Auburn will face off in the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight on Sunday, March 30, at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
Auburn’s Tournament Run
-
Round of 64: Defeated No. 16 Alabama State, 83-63
-
Round of 32: Defeated No. 9 Creighton, 82-70
-
Sweet 16: Defeated No. 5 Michigan, 78-65
Michigan State’s Tournament Run
-
First Round: Defeated No. 15 Bryant, 87-62
-
Round of 32: Defeated No. 10 New Mexico, 71-63
-
Regional Semifinal: Defeated No. 6 Ole Miss, 73-70
Match Time
The Elite Eight showdown between Auburn and Michigan State is scheduled for Sunday, March 30, at 2:05 p.m. MST.