The Elite 8 games continued to live up to expectations, including Auburn against Michigan and Michigan State against Ole Miss.
At points in both games, it was unclear who was headed for a win, but in the end, the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds moved on.
The Auburn Tigers are the overall No. 1 seed in the tournament.
This will be the last of the Elite 8 games, played on Sunday, March 30, at 5:05 p.m. ET.
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Auburn (1) vs Michigan State (2)
No. 1 Auburn took on No. 5 Michigan in the Sweet 16. Leading up to this, Auburn beat No. 16 Alabama State and No. 9 Creighton.
The Tigers held a 30-29 lead at halftime. In the second half, they surged ahead, at one point going on a 31-8 run. They won the game 78-65. Johni Broome had 22 points and 16 rebounds. Denver Jones and Tahaad Pettiford added 20 points each.
This came despite Auburn shooting just 39.4% from the floor and 28.6% from 3-point range. The Tigers out-rebounded Michigan 48-33.
As for No. 2 Michigan State, they took on No. 6 Ole Miss in the Sweet 16. They beat No. 15 Bryant and No. 10 New Mexico to get here. The Rebels held a 33-31 lead at halftime, but Michigan State outscored them 42-37 in the second half.
They were led by freshman guard Jase Richardson, who scored 20 points and six rebounds. The Spartans shot 50% from the floor and 35.3% from 3-point range.
Auburn vs Michigan State odds
Below are the odds for this matchup, courtesy of Fanduel Sportsbook.
- Spread: Michigan State (+5.5, -110); Auburn (-5.5, -110).
- Moneyline: Michigan State (+190) Auburn (-135).
- Total: Over 149.5 (-110); Under 149.5 (-110)
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Auburn vs Michigan State analysis
Heading into the Elite 8, Auburn is third in adjusted offensive efficiency, averaging 127.9 points per 100 possessions, and eighth in adjusted defensive efficiency, allowing an average of 92.6 points per 100 possessions.
As for Michigan State, their offense is a bit lacking compared to the Tigers. They average 119.1 points per 100 possessions (23rd), but they’re even better defensively, surrendering an average of 90.7 points per 100 possessions (fourth).
In terms of pace, these teams are toward the middle of the pack, with Auburn averaging 68.1 possessions per 40 minutes and Michigan State 178th at 67.4 possessions per 40 minutes.
I also can’t overstate the importance of the coaching staffs for each. Auburn has Bruce Peal, and Michigan State has Tom Izzo. These are not only two of the very best coaches this year but also in college basketball all-time.
Auburn vs Michigan State pick
This is a tough game to pick.
Both coaching staffs are great, but Michigan State has the worst offense between the two.
On the other hand, they play an excellent brand of defense and are coming off a game in which they shot 50% from the floor.
For Michigan State to cover and/or win, they need the offense to continue to score.
Michigan State is excellent defensively against opponent’s shots, holding them to 40.4% from the floor (19th) and 28.0% from 3-point range (second).
I think they do enough to squeak by.
Back Michigan State +5.5 (-110) at FanDuel
Auburn vs Michigan State game Info
- Who: Michigan State vs. Auburn
- Date: Sunday, March 30
- Time: 5:05 p.m. ET
- Location: State Farm Arena in Atlanta, GA
- Where to watch: CBS
About the author
Richard Janvrin
Richard Janvrin brings nearly a decade of experience covering sports, sports betting, and everything iGaming. Richard received his bachelor’s degree in Journalism/English from the University of New Hampshire. Throughout his career, Richard has written for sites like Bleacher Report, Forbes, The Game Day, WSN, Gambling.com, and many more.
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