Overview
- Michigan State advanced to the Elite Eight with a narrow 73-70 win over Ole Miss, marking Tom Izzo's 11th Elite Eight appearance.
- Auburn, the No. 1 seed, defeated Michigan 78-65 in the Sweet 16, with Tahaad Pettiford leading a second-half surge.
- Both teams feature standout freshmen, with Michigan State's Jase Richardson and Auburn's Tahaad Pettiford playing pivotal roles in their tournament runs.
- Bruce Pearl has framed Auburn as underdogs despite their No. 1 seed, citing Michigan State's storied NCAA history and coaching legacy.
- The game rekindles a coaching rivalry between Izzo and Pearl, who last faced each other in a 2010 Elite Eight matchup won by Michigan State.