The excitement continues as The Athletic brings you live coverage of the highly anticipated matchups in the Elite Eight of the Men’s NCAA Tournament, featuring Houston vs. Tennessee and Auburn vs. Michigan State. As we reach the final day of the Elite Eight, fans can expect thrilling contests between powerhouse programs that have consistently proven their mettle in high-stakes games.
The first game of the day pits the top-seeded Houston Cougars against the second-seeded Tennessee Volunteers at 2:20 p.m. ET, broadcast live on CBS. Both teams boast some of the most formidable defenses in the nation, ranking in the top three for adjusted defensive efficiency. This matchup is expected to be a defensive struggle, potentially resulting in a low-scoring affair filled with numerous free throws and fouls.
The outcome of this game will hinge on the little things: hustle plays, momentum shifts, and shot selection. Houston has proven nearly unbeatable when they maintain a shooting percentage around 42%, boasting an impressive record of 31 wins to just 1 loss under those conditions. Conversely, Tennessee has struggled offensively at times, making their ability to stop Houston's high-powered offense even more crucial. A deficit of 5 or 6 points can feel insurmountable for the Volunteers, especially given their seven losses this season, three of which occurred when they shot below 35% from the field.
Defensively, Houston leads the nation in three-point shooting but will face a stern test against Tennessee, which ranks third nationally in defending the perimeter. The Cougars will need their dynamic trio of guards — LJ Cryer, Milos Uzan, and Emanuel Sharp — to step up and deliver crucial shots. Tennessee's size in the paint can create scoring opportunities, but they must first find a rhythm on offense. Key matchups to watch include Uzan against Zakai Zeigler and Cryer against Chaz Lanier.
Later in the evening, the action heats up with the clash between the No. 1 Auburn Tigers and the No. 2 Michigan State Spartans, scheduled for 5:05 p.m. ET on CBS. Auburn is known for its slow starts but has a knack for elevating their game when it matters most. Michigan State, under the guidance of veteran coach Tom Izzo, prefers a free-flowing style of play. However, they faced challenges against Ole Miss, who effectively applied ball pressure, disrupting their rhythm. Auburn, lacking the same defensive intensity, may allow Michigan State to attack the rim freely, leading to quick scoring opportunities.
Both teams have comparable size, but Michigan State has struggled with three-point shooting, currently ranking as the worst team remaining in the tournament from beyond the arc at just 31.1%. If they fail to keep Auburn's defense honest, they risk long scoring droughts, which could play into Auburn's strengths. The Tigers thrive on defensive stops and can quickly convert those into points, making it imperative for Michigan State to find their range.
Auburn's Johni Broome, an AP first-team All-American, has been impressive throughout the tournament, and fans are eagerly anticipating a standout performance. The Spartans will have to decide whether to double-team Broome or allow him to operate one-on-one, as they lack a big man who can match his skill set. Expect Broome to have a significant impact as he aims to propel the Tigers to the Final Four.
As the Elite Eight unfolds, The Athletic will provide comprehensive pregame and postgame analysis of both matchups. Don't miss out on the opportunity to witness what promises to be a memorable day of college basketball as four teams compete for a coveted spot in the Final Four.
