Michigan State finds itself trailing at halftime, and it has a long scoring drought to thank. Auburn went on a 17-0 run during the first half of Sunday’s regional final in Atlanta, with the Spartans not scoring for nearly six minutes after taking an early lead.

Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo is trying to get back to the Final Four for the first time since the 2019 NCAA Tournament. Michigan State has defeated No. 15 Bryant, No. 10 New Mexico and No. 6 Ole Miss to get to this point, although the Rebels gave the Spartans a run for their money in the Sweet 16.

Auburn basketball is hours away from meeting Michigan State in the Elite Eight, and Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl believes that his team has plenty to prove.