Michigan State vs. Auburn: Elite Eight Showdown
The stakes are high as the Michigan State Spartans (30-6) and the Auburn Tigers (31-5) clash in the Elite Eight on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at 5:05 PM EST. A spot in the Final Four hangs in the balance, promising a thrilling matchup between two powerhouse programs. This article breaks down the game, offering insights, predictions, and betting information.
Road to the Elite Eight
Auburn secured their Elite Eight berth with a dominant 78-65 victory over the Michigan Wolverines. After trailing early, they unleashed a powerful 39-17 run in the second half, led by Tahaad Pettiford's 20-point performance. Meanwhile, Michigan State overcame a halftime deficit to defeat Ole Miss 73-70, propelling Tom Izzo to his 11th Elite Eight appearance in 26 years. Jase Richardson's 20 points fueled the Spartans' comeback.
Game Details & How to Watch
- Date: Sunday, March 30, 2025
- Time: 5:05 PM EST
- Site: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA
- Network/Streaming: CBS
Betting Odds & Predictions
According to BetMGM (odds as of Saturday), Auburn is favored (-235) against Michigan State (+195), with a spread of -5.5 points and a total of 149.5 points. NBC Sports Bet's model recommends betting on Auburn -5.5 against the spread, but advises against betting the moneyline or the total.
Key Trends & Stats
- Auburn covered the spread in their last two tournament games after failing to do so in their previous five.
- The under has hit in all three of Michigan State's NCAA Tournament games.
- Michigan State is 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games, despite not covering in their Sweet Sixteen win.
Remember to gamble responsibly.
Expert Analysis
While Auburn's recent surge is undeniable, Michigan State's experience under Izzo and their strong offensive rebounding could make this a closer contest than the spread suggests. The Spartans' ability to exploit Auburn's weaknesses on the boards will be crucial. Auburn's perimeter shooting and ability to overcome slow starts will also play a key role in determining the victor. This game promises to be a nail-biter.
Conclusion
The Michigan State vs. Auburn Elite Eight matchup is poised to be a classic. Both teams possess the talent and grit to win, setting the stage for a captivating game that will decide which team advances to the Final Four. Tune in to CBS on Sunday to witness the action unfold!