ATLANTA – Auburn Outlasts Michigan in Sweet 16 Showdown
Auburn came out on top against Michigan in their Sweet 16 matchup on Friday, March 28, defeating the Wolverines 78-65 at State Farm Arena. With a remarkable performance from their front line, the Tigers showcased their determination to advance in the NCAA Tournament.
The game began with a clear advantage for Michigan, where star forward Danny Wolf quickly made his mark, prompting cheers from the maize-and-blue section of the arena as his name echoed: ‘DAN-NY WOLF.’ However, as the game progressed, Auburn adjusted their defense, effectively holding Wolf scoreless for the last 13 minutes of the game.
‘All I really cared about was getting a win, and we weren’t able to do it,’ Wolf stated after the game. He finished with nine points, having shot 9-of-18 from the floor.
Auburn’s Johni Broome acknowledged the challenge posed by Michigan’s towering front line, but emphasized their team’s commitment to defensive pressure. ‘That’s a great front line,’ Broome remarked. ‘We wanted to challenge ourselves.’ The Tigers successfully managed to contain Wolf and fellow center Vladislav Goldin, displaying a cohesive team effort.
This significant victory follows Auburn’s history with Michigan, where they faced off in the first round a year prior, with the Wolverines pulling off an upset. Broome noted the motivation: ‘It was personal to get a win this time.’
Despite the loss, Wolf remains optimistic about his journey with Michigan. He expressed gratitude for the relationships he built, stating, ‘This year was arguably the greatest year of my life.’
As the tournament continues, Auburn’s win sets them up for a matchup against Michigan State in the Elite Eight.
Gunter Schroeder is a student in the University of Georgia’s Sports Media Certificate program.
