Auburn and Michigan State Set for Elite Eight Clash with Final Four Spot at Stake

Top-seeded Auburn, led by standout freshman Tahaad Pettiford, faces second-seeded Michigan State and Hall of Fame coach Tom Izzo in a pivotal NCAA Tournament matchup.

Auburn, making its third Elite Eight appearance, seeks its first-ever Final Four berth under coach Bruce Pearl.
Freshman guard Tahaad Pettiford has been a key player for Auburn, delivering standout performances throughout the tournament, including 20 points in the Sweet 16 win over Michigan.
Michigan State, led by coach Tom Izzo, aims for its ninth Final Four appearance, with freshman Jase Richardson playing a crucial role in their tournament success.
The matchup highlights a personal rivalry between Pettiford and Richardson, who have faced off since their AAU basketball days.
Bruce Pearl has framed Auburn as the underdog despite being the higher seed, emphasizing Michigan State's storied NCAA Tournament history and Izzo's coaching legacy.