ATLANTA – The top-seeded Auburn Tigers take on the fifth-seeded Michigan Wolverines in the Sweet Sixteen Friday in a game that features multiple high-coverage storylines.
The storybook starts with former Auburn standout KT Harrell. Harrell averaged over 18 points per game in his career at Auburn and was later on the coaching staff under Bruce Pearl. When Dusty May took over as head coach at Michigan, Harrell followed him from Florida Atlantic to become the Wolverines’ Director of Basketball operations.
Staying on the topic of former Tigers, Michigan point Guard Tre Donaldson has enjoyed success in his first year away from the Auburn program. Donaldson was a contributor to Auburn’s backcourt for the last two years before transferring north this last offseason. As a Wolverine, Donaldson has averaged 11.5 points, 4.2 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game all while being a defensive stalwart.
The final storyline to watch involves Michigan big man Danny Wolf. Wolf was on last season’s Yale team that upset Auburn in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Another of Michigan’s big gets in the transfer portal, Wolf has put up 13 points and 9.8 rebounds per game for the Wolverines. These three should all be fun to watch Friday night.
Michigan’s other seven-footer, Vlad Goldin, an FAU transfer also arriving with Dusty May, leads the Wolverines in scoring with 16.8 points per game. The Wolverines’ offense runs through Donaldson and its two big men, averaging 78.3 points per game on 47.1 percent shooting.
Auburn, coming off a win over Creighton, has proven they can handle length on both sides of the ball. The Tigers’ guards have stepped up to this point in the tournament, notably freshman Tahaad Pettiford who is averaging 19.5 points, 4 assists, and 5.5 rebounds in the tournament.
Naismith Player of the Year Finalist Johni Broome has been Auburn’s go-to guy all season, and after a slow offensive outing against Creighton, he is looking to bounce back big-time and push the Tigers to the Elite Eight.
The Tigers and Wolverines tip off at 8:39 p.m. CT at State Farm Arena with a trip to the Elite Eight on the line. Watch on CBS or listen on the Auburn Sports Network.
