Overview

• Auburn, the NCAA Tournament's top overall seed, seeks its third Elite Eight appearance and program-record 31st win this season.
• Michigan, revitalized under first-year coach Dusty May, has relied on key transfers like Vladislav Goldin and Danny Wolf to fuel its Cinderella run.
• Auburn's defensive strategy will focus on containing Michigan's standout frontcourt duo of Goldin and Wolf, who have been pivotal for the Wolverines' success.
• Coach Bruce Pearl praised Michigan's 7-footers, comparing them to NBA legends Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, and Larry Bird for their unique skills and chemistry.
• The game, set for 7:39 p.m. ET at State Farm Arena, highlights the broader impact of the NCAA transfer portal on reshaping college basketball dynamics.