Michigan basketball beat one SEC team to advance to the Sweet 16 and will need to beat another to advance to the Elite 8.
The challenge is a little different though. Top-seeded Auburn, as in the top seed in the entire NCAA tournament is 30-5 this season. They haven't dropped a game to a team outside the Kenpom top 20 and notched 14 quad-1 wins.
6-foot-10 forward Johni Broome also might be the National Player of the year after averaging 18.4 points, 10.7 rebounds and three assists per game. The offense is dynamic, ranking in the top 52 in 3-point shooting percetange, 2-point percentage, and overall field-goal percenage.
The Tigers are elite on defense too. They rank second in college basketball in blocks, are ranked 12th according to Kenpom in adjusted defensive efficiency, and rank in the top 40 in assists allowed.
Auburn checks all the boxes. They don't force a ton of turnovers, which is one difference from the previous two games, but Michigan basketball will need to be at its best. The good news is the Wolverines have been.
They only had nine turnovers against Texas A&M and outrebounded one of the best rebounding teams in college basketball 43-36. Michigan did the same thing to Maryland, and it will need to have an offensive rebounding edge against Auburn, too.
The Aggies are one of the teams that beat Auburn this season, and with all that in mind, here's a look at the odds, how to watch, and a prediction.
Michigan vs. Auburn odds
Auburn is a 9.5-point favorite against Michigan basketball in the Sweet 16. The over/under is 153.5. The moneyline for Michigan is +300 and it's -425 for the Tigers.
Michigan vs. Auburn how to watch
Date: March 28th Game Time: 9:39 PM EST Venue: State Farm Arena/Atlanta How to Watch: CBS | FUBO TV
Michigan vs. Auburn prediction
I've sald all season that if Michigan basketball can limit turnovers, it can compete with anyone. Offensive rebounding will be vital in this game. The Wolverines need to win the extra-possession battle, just like they did against Texas A&M.
Michigan's defense has been elite during its five-game winning streak, and that needs to continue. However, the Tigers have one of the two best players in college basketball and an even better defense.
Michigan covers the spread, but just doesn't make enough shots to pull the upset.
Prediction: Auburn 77, Michigan 70