Auburn Advances to Final Four After 6 Years

Auburn basketball advanced to the Final Four for the first time in six years after defeating Michigan State 70-64 in the NCAA Tournament's Elite Eight. Central to Auburn's success was Johni Broome, who overcame an elbow injury to score 25 points and grab 14 rebounds, a performance pivotal in Auburn's tournament run. The Tigers dominated early with a decisive 17-0 run, and while Michigan State tried to rally, they couldn't overcome their poor shooting, finishing with only 34.4% overall. Michigan State coach Tom Izzo praised his team's effort despite the loss, highlighting their connection and resilience throughout the season. Auburn coach Bruce Pearl attributed part of their success to the overwhelming support from their fans, which created a home-court atmosphere at neutral venues. Auburn, along with Florida, Houston, and Duke—all No. 1 seeds—will compete in the Final Four.