With a trip to the Final Four in San Antonio, TX on the line, No. 1 Auburn will face No. 2 Michigan State in Atlanta in the Tigers' third ever Elite Eight appearance. Our sports staff answered a few questions about the matchup inside of State Farm Arena between the Tigers and Spartans tonight.
Who on Michigan State should the Tigers look out for?
Patrick Bingham, Sports Editor: "I think it's the Spartans entire bench. Michigan State relies on strength in numbers, playing a rotation of nine to 10 guys a game. If the Spartans are successful against Auburn, I think its because their bench out-performed the Tigers'."
Rory Garvin, Sports Writer: Auburn needs to be aware of the Spartans guard duo featuring Jase Richardson and Jaden Akins. Either one could step up and have a big game on any given night. They average 12.2 and 12.8 points per game respectively. If Auburn’s guards play their brand of basketball they will be able to shut them down.
Reid Farris, Sports Writer: "Michigan State much like Auburn has a number of players to look out for most notably Jaden Akins and Jase Richardson. Akins averages 12.8 points a game, just under four assists, and brings senior leadership to the team from the guard position. Richardson likewise has averaged a solid 12.2 points a game this season but has definitely stepped up as of late averaging 15.8 over his last five games in the NCAA and Big Ten tournaments. Someone I also think they should look out for is sophmore Coen Carr who has extraordinary athleticism and has averaged nearly 14 points a game in the tournament. "
Jack Chambers, Sports Writer: "The Spartans best players are guards Jase Richardson and Jaden Akins so obviously need to be aware of them and they both are arguably the best shooters on Michigan State. But an under the radar guy to watch out for would be their backup point guard Tre Holloman. He is a senior and has made some big plays for the Spartans this year and seems to hit the big shot when Michigan State needs it. He is a very streaky shooter but when he gets going Michigan State is at its best. So look out for him."
Albert Osorio, Sports Writer: "I would say Jase Richardson and Jaden Akins because they came up clutch with the comeback against Ole Miss. They also do not want to get Coen Carr on a breakaway slam because that builds up momentum for the Spartans. The guards are Michigan State's biggest strength, and the Tigers need another big game on defense to win this game."
Who has to step up for the Tigers to make it to the Final Four?
Patrick Bingham, Sports Editor: "It feels odd to say Johni Broome because it feels obvious but the Tigers tend to go as far as the national player of the year candidate takes them. Now we'll see if he can take them to the Final Four."
Rory Garvin, Sports Writer: For Auburn to book their ticket to the Final Four, freshman guard Taahad Pettiford needs to continue his legendary tournament run. In three NCAA Tournament games, he is averaging 19.7 points per game while shooting 51% from the field and 38% from behind the arc. Even though he’s a true freshman, Pettiford’s ability to settle Auburn’s offense down and put defenders on skates can’t be overlooked.
Reid Farris, Sports Writer: "I believe that a number of players could possibly step up in order to push Auburn past the Spartans but the players that need to step up are Seniors Miles Kelly and Chad Baker-Mazara. Both senior guards have had outstanding years for the Tigers but have both been less impactful as of late whether its been because of injury or just struggling. Kelly has the potential to be a lethal shooter from beyond the arc but has only scored 10 total points in the last two games meaning I think he's set to step up for the Tigers. Baker-Mazara on the other hand has struggled with an injury but will be much needed as a scorer against the Spartans in order for Auburn to be at their best."
Jack Chambers, Sports Writer: "Auburn is at its best and most dangerous when Chad Baker-Mazara is playing well, and he will have a favorable matchup size wise in this game because Michigan St loves to run three guards. So, Baker-Mazara will more than likely be guarded by a smaller defender who he can shoot over all night long. After a mediocre performance against Michigan look for Chad to find his rhythm and get going early and for it carry out through the rest of the game with his favorable matchup."
Albert Osorio, Sports Writer: "Definitely Johni Broome because Michigan State does not have too much depth on forwards. He must have yet another double-double game and make critical blocks and rebounds to give the Tigers the advantage."
If Auburn wins it's because _________?
Patrick Bingham, Sports Editor: "Its guards will continue lead the way as the group has in all of the Tigers' March wins. I don't know if Tahaad Pettiford and record a fourth straight game with 16-or-more points, but that type of production from the position group will be crucial."
Rory Garvin, Sports Writer: They start fast and limit the turnovers. In the first half against Michigan, Auburn started ice cold from three shooting 3-of-16 while committing 10 turnovers. If the Tigers continue to sleepwalk through the first half of games an elite team like Michigan State will capitalize and will head into the break with a substantial lead, which will make it tough for Auburn to mount another comeback.
Reid Farris, Sports Writer: "Auburn shows up and plays 2024-2025 auburn basketball in the same way that they did in the second half against Michigan. Auburn could have any player step up and be a lead scorer but I think if they win its simply because they minimized turnovers, played solid defense, and stuck to their style of ball."
Albert Osorio, Sports Writer: "They built their momentum from last Friday's game and avoided too many turnovers that would have put them in no man's land. It will be very critical for Auburn to set the tone early and not make too many mistakes on Sunday to advance to the Final Four again."
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