For the first time since 2013, Michigan will face a No. 1 seed in the Sweet Sixteen. The Wolverines will tangle with the Auburn Tigers, the tournament’s No. 1 overall seed, in Atlanta on Friday night (9:39 p.m., CBS) in what should be an electric atmosphere that favors Auburn (and ticket scalpers).
The Tigers are one of two teams in the country that have been viewed as title favorites throughout the season, and they’ll present the most challenging test that Michigan has faced all season.
Auburn’s recipe for success this season is to surround a consensus First-Team All-American big man with talented shooters and shot makers all around the floor. It’s a recipe that has worked as well as any other roster build or plan in the country.
The Tigers
Auburn’s offense checks in at No. 3 overall per KenPom and has impressive balance and versatility. The Tigers shoot 56% on twos (30th) and 36.6% on threes (47th) for a 55.6 eFG% (25th). They also win the shot volume battle because they rarely turn it over (13.4% of possessions, 5th) and are solid on the offensive glass (grabbing 34.3% of missed, 51st).
Auburn’s offensive scheme is rooted in the flex offense, so the Tigers have more shots off cuts and off-ball screens than the average Division I team. The screening and movement make the Tigers a unique scout, and also help them attack mismatches.
Auburn’s offense is loaded with individual talent and shot-making ability. The Tigers are ranked 16th nationally in points per game from off-the-dribble jumpers and grade out in the 87th percentile in ball screen scorer efficiency, 89th percentile in isolation efficiency, and 66th percentile in post-up efficiency.
It’s an offensive scheme that does a good job of creating easy points, executed by players who can score tough baskets. A group that runs excellent plays but has players who can make their own when the sets don’t work.
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