After losing three of the last four games in the regular season, the Auburn Tigers looked vulnerable entering the NCAA Tournament. They’ve had some adversity in the first three games, losing to Creighton and Michigan in the second halves, needing big runs late to push ahead and win. But we also saw how dominant they’ve looked as well, showing why the Tigers are title contenders.
Their opponent is Michigan State, the regular-season champion known for mucking its way to wins. They defeated Bryant, New Mexico, and Ole Miss to get to the Elite 8, coming back from an early deficit to beat the Rebels.
How to watch Auburn vs Michigan State Elite 8 matchup
Auburn vs Michigan State odds, spread and total
Date: Sunday, March 30th
Time: 5:05 pm ET.
Venue: State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia
How to watch: CBS
Streaming: FUBO TV
Auburn record: 31-5
Michigan State record: 30-6
Odds are via Sportsbook Fanduel.
Moneyline
- Auburn -210
- Michigan State +172
Spread
- Auburn - 5.5 (-104)
- Michigan State +5.5 (-118)
Total
- 147.5 (over -115, under -105)
No injuries reported for either side
Michigan State leads all-time series 1-0 against Auburn
Auburn vs Michigan State game prediction
Despite not being a good three-point shooting team, Michigan State has been able to manufacture points throughout the season. Coen Carr, who averages 8.2 ppg, has been a massive performer in March, including scoring 15 points in the win over Ole Miss. Freshman Jase Richardson and Jaden Akins are the top scorers, while the overall depth and team defense have been their calling cards.
For Auburn, they’re led by SEC Player of the Year Johni Broome (18.5 ppg and 10.8 rpg), one of five double-digit scorers. Broome had 22 points and 16 rebounds in the win over Michigan and will go up against the Spartans’ frontcourt, which isn’t known for scoring. The freshman battle between Jase Richardson of MSU and Auburn’s Tahaad Pettiford will be something to watch.
The Spartans have beaten an SEC team, can they do it again? Auburn is another beast and while they’ve look vulnerable, it’s hard to beat them in a 40-minute span, especially when you can’t use the three-point show. Michigan State will show some fight but in the end, look for the Tigers to move on to the Final Four.
Prediction: Auburn 75, Michigan State 61