No. 1 overall seed Auburn is set to take on the No. 5 seed Michigan Wolverines in Atlanta for a spot in the Elite Eight for the first time since the 2019 season and only third time ever in program history.
Our sports staff answered a few questions about the matchup inside of State Farm Arena between the Tigers and Wolverines tonight.
How will Auburn fair against former Tiger Tre Donaldson?
Patrick Bingham, Sports Editor: "The Tigers have shut down opponents' best guards all season. Even Creighton, after a first half of nine made 3-pointers only knocked down three the rest of the way. I think back to what Auburn did to a guy like Aden Holloway in both matchups and think it could be similar in this one for Donaldson."
Rory Garvin, Sports Writer: "With a trip to the Elite Eight on the line Tre Donaldson will be looking to have a career game, especially against his former squad. Donaldson loves having the ball in his hands with the game on the line, already making two clutch go-ahead shots in March against Maryland and UC San Diego. The key for Auburn shutting him down will be their guard's defensive play led by 2025 Naismith Defensive Player of the Year semifinalist Denver Jones. In the second half of Auburn’s Round of 32 win, Jones and his fellow guards held Creighton sharpshooter Steven Ashworth to just two points. Between Auburn’s stellar defensive unit and the large contingent of Tiger fans in the building, Donaldson is going to have a rough night."
Reid Farris, Sports Writer: "Tre Donaldson has the potential continue Michigan's momentum and lead the way scoring if he gets hot but I believe he will struggle with Denver Jones likely guarding him. Despite Donaldson's talent the Tigers defense has seen some far more potent offenses and guards throughout this season and I think that they will make Friday night pretty difficult for Donaldson."
Jack Chambers, Sports Writer: "Tre Donaldson has transcended his game to new heights this year from what we saw at Auburn last year. He is much more confident in his shooting and driving and has become a big-time player, making plays late in the game. Thankfully for Auburn Denver Jones will be guarding him on Friday who is still arguably one of the most underrated defenders in the entire country and should be able to contain if not stop Donaldson as he has done with other elite guards around the country this year."
Albert Osorio, Sports Writer: "Tre Donaldson is a fast guard that can make shifty plays to the rim and could get hot behind the 3-point line too. If the Tigers want to stop him, defense is the key. Denver Jones is a guard that can make such plays on defense and must step up Friday."
Who wins the battle of the double-big lineups?
Patrick Bingham, Sports Editor: "Broome didn't score particularly well when going up against Ryan Kalkbrenner last Saturday. I have a feeling he could have a bigger night in Atlanta, at least as points are concerned."
Rory Garvin, Sports Writer: "Danny Wolf and Vladislav Goldin vs. Johni Broome and Dylan Cardwell will be worth the hefty price of admission Friday night. Broome will be looking for his get back after Wolf went for 13 points and the win against the Tigers in last year’s NCAA Tournament with Yale. Despite his scoring, Broome came up huge for Auburn in their second-round win over Creighton, out-rebounding the 7-foot-1 Ryan Kalkbrenner 12-7. If Cardwell and Broome can replicate last week’s performance on the glass they will give Auburn a huge advantage in the paint which will be a huge factor in this Sweet 16 matchup."
Reid Farris, Sports Writer: "With Danny Wolf and Vladislav Goldin both being seven footers the Dylan Cardwell and Johni Broome are going to have to be extremely physical on defense. I believe the biggest key will be Broome staying physical in the paint defensively and grabbing defensive rebounds. If Auburn's duo can handle the physicality as they've shown in the past I believe they will win the battle."
Jack Chambers, Sports Writer: "Danny Wolf and Vladislav Golden are a matchup Auburn has really yet to see this year. Both are skilled in their own ways and are truly dominant down low. Auburn will have its hands full with both of them as Wolf loves to run and handle the ball and get out in transition and Goldin is dominant down low and loves drawing fouls. Goldin is also a great shot blocker which will help Michigan when defending Broome and Cardwell. As long as Auburn can stay out of foul trouble and hold their ground in the post, I like Auburns bigs in this matchup. Michigan has also yet to see a big man duo of this magnitude yet this year. Johni will again see another 7-footer or two just like last against Creighton but should be able to get into more of rhythm and will show why he is the best big man in this matchup."
Albert Osorio, Sports Writer: "Daniel Wolf and Vladislav Goldin are going to be tougher bigs to defend. Both are really good at dominating the paint and shooting behind the line. Johni Broome must have another double-double game and a better performance than last Saturday's game, while Dylan Cardwell must continue to be physical and make critical blocks and shots. For now, I see Michigan's bigs being more dominant on Friday night."
If Auburn wins it's because _________?
Patrick Bingham, Sports Editor: "The Tigers' guards continue to play at their best in March. Having production down low is very important, but elite guard play is what carries most teams deep into the tournament."
Rory Garvin, Sports Writer: "Their guards rise to the occasion. Offensively if Auburn’s backcourt led by Miles Kelly who’s shooting 40.6% from three in March, are making their three’s the Tigers will be tough to knock off. On the defensive side of the ball, everyone’s attention in this one is on the paint battle. However, this game will be won by Denver Jones shutting down Tre Donaldson and the rest of Michigan’s guards."
Reid Farris, Sports Writer: "Auburn played their style of basketball, capitalized on numerous Michigan turnovers, and held to the same defensive standard they have had for themselves the entire season."
Jack Chambers, Sports Writer: "Auburn stays out of foul trouble and their guards and wings will be able to take over the game by creating turnovers and defending at a level which Michigan has not seen yet. The Tigers will also control the perimeter whether that be shooting, scoring or simply handling the pressure. And one thing in specific that wins in March is guard play in which Auburn has more and better guards than Michigan."
Albert Osorio, Sports Writer: "The guards stepped up on defense and continued their momentum on making big, critical shots. Guard play is Auburn's strength against Michigan, and they must show up on Friday's game in order to advance to the Elite Eight."
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