Johni Broome had 25 points and 14 rebounds, and Auburn took command with 17 unanswered points in the first half to beat Michigan State 70-64 and complete a sweep of No. 1 seeds advancing to the Final Four.

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.

A team known for its bond, Spartans players and coaches tried to be there for each other after a heartbreaking loss to Auburn in the Elite 8.

Auburn knocked off Michigan State on Sunday evening to complete a Final Four of exclusively top seeds. Duke will meet Houston, while Florida will face Auburn in San Antonio.

Down on hands and knees in the Alamodome, workers lurched forward to generate enough leverage to slide one large wood panel alongside another. Nearby was a 15-pound sledgehammer at the ready for a few swings into the panel sides – a plastic block absorbing the impact and providing protection to the precious wood – to

The No. 2 seed Spartans (30-6) face No. 1 Auburn (31-5) in a South Region final at State Farm Arena in Atlanta with a spot in the Final Four on the line. Here are five keys to Michigan State pulling off an upset to head to San Antonio:

Jeremy Fears Jr. led Michigan State to a 30-win season. The other three Tom Izzo point guards who did went to a Final Four; Fears is one win away.