The top-seeded Tigers are set to take on former Auburn point guard Tre Donaldson and the No. 5 seed Michigan Wolverines inside of State Farm Arena tonight at 8:39 p.m. CST in the Sweet 16. Here's what some of our sports staff has to say about the clash between the Tigers and Wolverines, complete with score predictions and analysis.
Patrick Bingham, Sports Editor: Auburn 90-78
"At the end of the day, I think Tigers' forward Chris Moore said it best yesterday, 'once we were connected on the court, one unit that we’re the best team in the country and we’re a scary team to play against.'
"I tend to agree and I think that Auburn matches up well with the Wolverines and just has too many path to victories in this one."
Logan Fowler, Sports Reporter: Auburn 85-79
"There’s plenty of storylines going into this Sweet 16 showdown as Auburn takes on former Tiger Tre Donaldson and clashes with ex-Yale Bulldog Danny Wolf, who played a key role in Auburn’s early exit from the NCAA Tournament a year ago.
"Michigan entered the postseason on a three-game skid but has since turned things around, winning the Big Ten Tournament and knocking off No. 4 seed Texas A&M to make it to Atlanta. A big part of the reason for the Wolverines' recent surge is Donaldsons’ late-game heroics and the play of the Wolverines' twin towers — Wolf and Vladislav Goldin - who anchor the Wolverines’ offense.
"Auburn's Johni Broome and Dylan Cardwell will have their hands full with Wolf and Goldin. However, if Auburn’s guards step up as they did against Creighton, the Tigers will have a strong chance at punching their ticket to the Elite Eight."
Rory Garvin, Sports Writer: Auburn 83-71
"Tonight the Auburn family will make the short trip up I-85 to State Farm Arena in hopes of witnessing the Tigers third Elite Eight berth in school history.
"This game is going to be played in two phases—the trenches and behind the arc. Let’s start with the trenches. The road to the Final Four isn’t supposed to be easy and Michigan’s two seven-footers Danny Wolf and Vladislav Goldin will make Johni Broome and Dylan Cardwell’s life in the paint tonight anything but that. Wolf is a familiar foe as he was a key piece on last year’s Yale squad that took down the Tigers in the NCAA Tournament. Meanwhile, Goldin is their leading scorer averaging 16.8 points per game on the year.
"The key to victory for Auburn will be knocking down their three-point shots. When Miles Kelly, Taahad Pettiford, and Chad Baker-Mazara get going from downtown it’s going to be very hard for any team in the country to take them down.
"If Auburn can keep the Wolverines’ big men at bay and their guards get hot from behind the arc it’s going to be a long night for the maize and blue."
Albert Osorio, Sports Writer: Auburn 81-67
"This is going to be an electric matchup with Tre Donaldson and Michigan going against his former team. Last Saturday, The Tigers made a huge statement win against Creighton and their 3-point attack. They won that game because of the critical shots they've made during crunch time, as well playing good defense and making clutch blocks. If they could bring that momentum into Friday's game, they should get an easy win."
Reid Farris, Sports Writer: Auburn 86-74
"The Tigers have gone through the most of this season knowing their ultimate goal is to win the entire tournament but also remembering the disappointment lingering from last year. I believe the added the fact that they are playing former teammate transfer Tre Donaldson and Yale transfer Danny Wolf Auburn will be ready to play their level of basketball that got them the number one overall seed in the tournament. Johni Broome and Dylan Cardwell need to play physical and create disruption in the paint while the rest of the defense needs to capitilize and get points where they can off of turnovers which Michigan is known for having trouble with. With the added Atlanta crowd Auburn should walk out of State Farm Arena with a win on Friday."
Jack Chambers, Sports Writer: Auburn 80-68
"Obviously there is a lot to be excited about and a lot riding on this game. A birth for Auburn to the elite 8 and potentially the second final four in school history. As well as a rematch with Michigan big man Danny Wolfe who was on the Yale team from last year and Tre Donaldson who transferred from Auburn this offseason. This game will be a full-on battle down low with Michigan who starts two 7-footers against Auburns two big man. These Bigs play completely different play styles and run their offense through both. You have Danny Wolfe who is more of a point-center who can handle the ball, shoot play in the pick n roll as the screener or the ball handler. Then you have Vlad Goldin who has been to the final four before with FAU two years ago who scores in a variety of ways on the block and can also stretch the floor a bit and is elite at drawing foul and converting at the line. Denver Jones will have the Tre Donaldson assignment which should be a great matchup as Donaldson has taken his game to the next level this year.
"Auburn shouldn't have too much trouble with Michigan's other guards as they are very streaky so Auburn guards should be able to dominate. Ultimately this game will come down to if Auburn can defend down low without fouling and can rebound well enough against Michigan who rebounds very well."
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