No. 7 Michigan gets emphatic win over No. 21 Auburn

Michigan Wolverines players react during the second half in a 2025 Players Era Festival group play game against the Auburn Tigers at Michelob ULTRA Arena. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

No. 7 Michigan avenges Sweet 16 loss with emphatic win over No. 21 Auburn

By Colby Colwell | Last updated Nov 25, 2025 11:50 PM ET

No. 7 Michigan put together a clinic on No. 21 Auburn with a 102-72 rout in the Players Era Festival on Tuesday night, advancing to the championship game where it will face No. 12 Gonzaga on Wednesday night.

The Wolverines held a 28-20 lead with 9:29 to play in the first half before closing the half on a 21-11 run to take a 59-31 lead into the break.

It was the latest dominant performance from Michigan, which now has a +70 point differential in the tournament after besting San Diego State, 94-54, on Monday night. More importantly, the win avenged a Sweet 16 loss to the Tigers last season, making it even sweeter for the program.

Michigan shoots lights-out in win over Auburn

The Wolverines (6-0) were 35-of-68 (51%) and 14-of-35 (40%) from long range. Aside from holding the Tigers to just 35% shooting, Michigan controlled the boards, 51-35, and had a 29-3 fast break advantage.

That was on full display when a block from sophomore forward Morez Johnson Jr. led to a dunk from senior forward Yaxel Lendeborg on the other end of the floor early in the second half.

CLEAR THE LANE FOR YAXEL @umichbball pic.twitter.com/1hol138MWZ
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) November 26, 2025

This poster dunk from freshman forward Oscar Goodman gave Michigan a 97-65 lead late and only added to the dominance.

OSCAR GOODMAN WITH A POSTER ‼️@umichbball bench is LOVING IT pic.twitter.com/RZ6qIU7pF1
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) November 26, 2025

Six players scored in double-figures for Michigan, led by Lendeborg and senior guard Roddy Gayle Jr., who each had 17 points. Although the win is Michigan's first over a ranked opponent this season, the Wolverines are currently ranked third behind Duke and Purdue, according to KenPom, which speaks to how impressive they have been so far.

This was a complete all-around performance from Michigan however you look at it. Outside of the first 10 minutes of the game, the outcome was never really in doubt for the Wolverines.

Although the loss is already the second for Auburn and first-year head coach Steven Pearl, the first loss came at the hands of then-No. 1 Houston, so the Tigers certainly posed a threat coming in.

It is safe to say Michigan was more than up for the challenge and showed why it should be considered among the best teams in the country after a dominant showing.

Colby Colwell

Colby Colwell is a freelance contributor with a bachelor’s in Computer & Information Technology and a minor in Psychology from Western Kentucky University. With a deep passion for sports, especially NASCAR, he offers his substantial knowledge along with his adept writing skills. When he’s not writing, Colby enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with his family

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