In a thrilling first round of the NCAA Tournament on March 20, 2025, the top-seeded Auburn Tigers asserted their dominance against the Alabama State Hornets, securing an 83-63 victory at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky. The stage was set for a classic clash; Auburn, the tournament's No. 1 overall seed, faced off against the 16-seed Hornets, who had a remarkable season, reaching the tournament for the first time in 12 years.
Miles Kelly, a key player for the Tigers, opened the game with a flourish, scoring 12 points in just the first five minutes of action. He ended the night with a total of 23 points, showcasing a blend of skill and determination as he nailed 7-of-15 attempts from beyond the arc. This impressive start helped Auburn grab an early 15-8 lead.
However, Alabama State's resilience came to the forefront when they fought back, cutting the lead to 28-24 late in the first half. CJ Hines and his teammates displayed relentless hustle, making it evident that they weren't going to back down easily. The Hornets capitalized on a brief scoring drought from Auburn, during which the Tigers managed to score only one point over a 4:41 stretch. This allowed Alabama State to gain momentum and nearly snatch the lead.
At a critical moment in the game, ASU guard Amaar Knox missed a pair of free throws that could have turned the tide. Instead, Johni Broome, a standout for Auburn and a candidate for National Player of the Year, led a pivotal 9-0 run in the final minutes of the half, propelling the Tigers into the locker room with a 41-31 lead.
The second half started with Auburn maintaining its intensity, and the team quickly expanded its lead to as many as 24 points, sealing the victory. In addition to Kelly's stellar performance, Broome notched a program-record 19th double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Tahaad Pettiford added 16 points to the scoring effort, with Chaney Johnson contributing 13 points.
Auburn’s head coach Bruce Pearl reflected on the game, emphasizing the importance of strong second-half performances moving forward in the tournament. “We can’t afford to start slow in the next round against Creighton,” he said. The Tigers, who have struggled towards the end of the season, showcased their potential in this victory. The doubts creeping into the backs of fans' minds faded over the course of the game as Auburn reminded everyone why they earned the No. 1 seed.
Looking ahead, Auburn will face 9-seed Creighton in the second round. Creighton earned its spot by overcoming a formidable opponent in the Louisville Cardinals, defeating them 89-75 earlier in the day. Jamiya Neal shined for the Blue Jays, scoring 29 points along with 12 rebounds, providing an ominous challenge for Auburn in the next matchup. The exact timing and television network for the game remain to be determined, but fans are already buzzing with anticipation.
Auburn improved its record to 29-5 with this win, marking an emphatic entry into the tournament after notable struggles in the weeks leading up to this moment. The victory not only boosts their morale heading into later rounds but also holds significance as Auburn's first NCAA Tournament win since 2023, when they also advanced past the first round.
The atmosphere at Rupp Arena was electric as the fans rallied behind the Tigers, witnessing their journey unfold and hoping to further advance into the Sweet 16. Auburn's performance on this day has instilled hope and excitement, reminding everyone of their potential and setting a stage for what could be a deep tournament run.
As they prepare for the next challenge, the Auburn Tigers will carry the momentum from this victory. They remain a formidable contender in the NCAA Tournament with aspirations of making it back to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2019. All eyes will be on them as they continue their quest in the Road to San Antonio.
