NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In an impressive display of skill and determination, No. 1 seed Auburn overcame early challenges to secure a decisive 83-63 victory over 16th-seeded Alabama State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on March 20, 2025. The win was not only significant for the Tigers, who had faced disappointment in last year's tournament, but also showcased the depth of the team as they look ahead to their next matchup against Creighton.
Coach Bruce Pearl’s squad entered the tournament hoping to rise above previous disappointing early exits. Despite losing three of their last four games in the SEC regular season, Auburn remains a formidable contender, having secured the top overall seed in the tournament. Early momentum was fueled by junior guard Miles Kelly, who made a remarkable seven three-pointers, finishing the night with 23 points. "Miles was terrific," commented Coach Pearl.
Auburn started strong, quickly opening up a 12-2 lead. Kelly, who started the game on fire, accounted for nine of the Tigers' first 12 points, hitting his first four shots from beyond the arc. However, Alabama State rallied in the first half, cutting the lead to just a point, 32-31, thanks to an 18-6 run.
“I just congratulate Alabama State on a great season, a historic season for the Hornets,” Pearl remarked after the game. He acknowledged the tough challenge posed by Alabama State, noting, “We didn’t play our best, but I think they had a lot to do with it.” While Auburn held the lead for most of the first half, Alabama State’s Amarr Knox, who led his team with 18 points, made pivotal contributions that kept the game close.
Knox's late attempts to take the lead in the first half fell short as he missed two free throws. This allowed Auburn to regain momentum and close out the half strong with a 41-31 lead. Johni Broome, honored as an All-American, helped secure the win, contributing 14 points and 11 rebounds, marking his 19th double-double of the season.
“My teammates did a great job of finding me, and all I had to do was knock it down. Just credit to my teammates for giving me open looks,” commented Kelly after his standout performance.
Auburn's bench came alive in the second half, contributing significantly to the victory with a total of 30 points. Chaney Johnson, who previously had a slump in scoring, added 13 points and stated, “It's a great feeling coming off of bad shooting games just being there for my team... it’s a great feeling. It's a blessing as well.” Tahaad Pettiford also shined with 16 points, showcasing his resilience after starting slow.
Auburn now advances to face Creighton, the ninth seed that defeated Louisville 89-75, in the second round scheduled for Saturday, March 22, 2025. Pearl emphasized that if his team wants to continue their tournament run, they need to elevate their performance significantly. "We won't beat Creighton if we play like we did tonight," Pearl warned.
As Auburn prepares for the challenge ahead, the players and coaching staff remain focused on improving their game. The victory not only boosts their spirits but also marks Auburn's seventh win over Alabama State in the NCAA Tournament history, and it holds significance as it is Alabama State’s fifth tournament appearance. Despite their loss, the Hornets have something to take pride in, marking their first NCAA Tournament win in history.
Auburn’s impressive rebounding advantage of 46-36, while notable, comes with caution as their free-throw shooting (56.3%, or 18 of 32) revealed areas needing improvement that could prove costly moving forward. As they aim to avoid past early exits from the tournament, the Tigers remain committed to making history on their quest to return to the Final Four for the first time since 2019.
As the team gears up and reflects on their performance against Alabama State, the question looms: Can the depth and talent of the team push them through the next rounds and secure the championship they aim for? This tournament is still young, and Auburn's prospects look bright.
