Auburn explored the option of adding Lendeborg with the departures of Johni Broome and Chaney Johnson looming. However, Bruce Pearl's squad will be in great shape at the power for

It certainly took a full 40 minutes, but Auburn basketball did what was needed. The Tigers took down 2-seed Michigan State in the Elite Eight, and they're heading back to the Final Four for the second time in program history.

Auburn beat Michigan on Friday in the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16. The Tigers will take on Michigan State on Sunday in the Elite Eight.

The last time the legendary coach brought a team that far in the NCAA Tournament was also in 2019. In that year's Elite Eight, his Michigan State team also took down the No. 1 overall seed to punch a ticket to the Final Four — a memorable 68-67 upset of Zion Williamson-led Duke.

Chaney Johnson came up big with two big baskets. The first was with 8:59 when he connected on a basket to put the Tigers up 52-40. The next was when Michigan State had cut the Auburn lead to 52-44. Johnson scored a basket with 7:12 remaining to give the Tigers a 54-44 lead.

A trip to the Final Four is on the line when Auburn faces Michigan State on Sunday. Check out our expert Michigan State vs. Auburn predictions and best bets here.

Broome fell on his right arm while attempting to block a shot, but returned in time to celebrate the second time all top seeds have reached the Final Four.

Broome and Auburn will have to step up again vs. the Florida Gators on Saturday at 5:09 p.m. CT in San Antonio, Texas. The Gators beat Auburn at home earlier this season and were considered co-favorites with Duke entering the tournament. The winner gets the Duke/Houston winner in the tournament finals.

Alabama Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth has an idea for commemorating Auburn’s second trip to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four. In a post on social media site X, Ainsworth suggested a new name for Lake Michigan -- Gulf of Auburn.

Former Auburn coach Tony Barbee has been fired by Central Michigan, the program announced on Thursday. He had just completed his fourth season with the program. The high-water mark for Barbee came a year ago,