After defeating Alabama State in March Madness, Auburn basketball advances to the NCAA second round.

March Madness is the time of year when college basketball takes center stage, with teams from all across the country vying for a coveted spot in the NCAA Tournament. Auburn University, a proud program with a rich basketball history, entered the 2025 edition of the tournament with high hopes and expectations. Their first-round matchup against Alabama State was crucial, as advancing to the second round would bring the Tigers one step closer to their ultimate goal: a national championship.

Auburn’s performance against Alabama State was a display of resilience, skill, and determination, showcasing their readiness to compete on the biggest stage of college basketball. With a dominant 79-58 victory, Auburn secured their place in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, where they would face even tougher competition in pursuit of their title hopes.

The Build-Up to March Madness: Auburn’s Season

Before the tournament began, Auburn had already solidified their place as one of the top teams in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the nation. Head coach Bruce Pearl had guided his team through a successful regular season, with several key wins that had positioned Auburn as a legitimate contender. The Tigers’ strong defense, up-tempo offense, and deep roster made them a force to be reckoned with.

One of Auburn’s standout players throughout the season was forward Jabari Smith, whose versatile scoring ability, rebounding, and shot-blocking made him one of the most coveted prospects in college basketball. Smith’s leadership on the court, along with contributions from guards like Wendell Green Jr. and K.D. Johnson, provided Auburn with a well-rounded team capable of competing with anyone.

However, as with all programs, the road to the NCAA Tournament was not without its challenges. The Tigers had to navigate a tough SEC schedule, facing off against elite competition and dealing with injuries and lineup changes. Yet, despite these hurdles, Auburn emerged from the regular season with a strong enough resume to earn a solid seed in the tournament.

When the bracket was revealed, Auburn was placed as a No. 3 seed in the East Region, which placed them in prime position to make a deep run. However, the path would not be easy, as every team in the tournament was hungry for a chance to make history and win it all.

The First-Round Matchup: Auburn vs. Alabama State

For Auburn, the first round of March Madness presented an opportunity to show what they were capable of. Standing in their way was Alabama State, a program that had shown resilience in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) but had faced challenges when stepping up to compete with Power Five teams. Despite being considered a heavy underdog, Alabama State was determined to give Auburn a fight, hoping to pull off an upset and make a name for themselves in the tournament.

Alabama State, led by head coach Mo Williams, had earned their spot in the NCAA Tournament after winning the SWAC Championship. While their record did not match Auburn’s, the Hornets had shown they could be a dangerous team when given the opportunity. Their blend of experience and youthful talent made them an intriguing matchup for the Tigers.

As the game tipped off, Auburn quickly established its dominance. From the opening whistle, it was clear that the Tigers’ athleticism, depth, and experience were going to be too much for Alabama State. Despite the Hornets’ best efforts, Auburn’s defensive intensity and fast-paced offense overwhelmed them.

Key Moments in the Game

The Early Surge: Setting the Tone

Auburn came out of the gate firing on all cylinders, led by their star player Jabari Smith, who scored the first basket of the game with a smooth jump shot. Smith’s early success was a harbinger of what was to come, as he finished the game with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks, showcasing his ability to impact the game in multiple ways.

Alabama State was able to keep the game close early on, thanks to the scoring of senior guard Amadou Fofana, who provided the Hornets with a spark. However, Auburn’s defense quickly stifled any momentum. The Tigers’ press defense forced several turnovers, leading to easy fast-break points that widened the gap.

By the end of the first half, Auburn had built a comfortable 44-28 lead, with their offense clicking and their defense stifling Alabama State’s attempts to get into a rhythm. Auburn’s ability to lock down defensively, combined with their offensive firepower, was a recipe for success.

The Second Half: Auburn’s Depth Takes Over

As the second half began, Alabama State knew they would need to make a run to close the gap, but Auburn was relentless. The Tigers’ depth and athleticism were on full display, as players like Wendell Green Jr. and K.D. Johnson took turns contributing on both ends of the floor.

Green Jr., who had been a steady presence for Auburn all season, was instrumental in pushing the tempo of the game. His ability to facilitate Auburn’s offense, paired with his knack for scoring, made him a difficult player for Alabama State to stop. He finished the game with 12 points and 6 assists, playing a key role in keeping the Hornets at bay.

Meanwhile, K.D. Johnson provided a scoring punch off the bench, adding 15 points, including several crucial three-pointers that pushed the lead further out of reach. His scoring outburst helped Auburn extend their lead to 20 points with just under 10 minutes remaining in the game.

The Hornets continued to fight, but they were unable to get stops or find consistent offense against Auburn’s swarming defense. The Tigers finished the game with 12 steals and 5 blocks, demonstrating their commitment to disrupting Alabama State’s offensive flow.

Auburn’s fast break was particularly effective, as they scored numerous points in transition. Whether off turnovers or long rebounds, the Tigers pushed the ball up the court quickly, creating easy scoring opportunities. This style of play was a hallmark of their success throughout the season, and it proved to be a winning formula in this first-round game.

The Closing Stretch: Auburn Seals the Win

As the game wound down, Auburn continued to dominate. Their defensive intensity never wavered, and their offense kept clicking. Alabama State’s energy began to fade, and with about five minutes left in the game, Auburn had built an insurmountable 25-point lead.

The Tigers’ bench got a chance to see some significant playing time in the final minutes, with backup players like Chris Moore and Allen Flanigan getting involved in the action. Their contributions helped keep the tempo high, and Auburn coasted to a comfortable 79-58 victory.

Key Takeaways from Auburn’s Win

Dominant Defense

One of the biggest takeaways from Auburn’s victory was their defensive performance. Throughout the game, they were able to frustrate Alabama State’s offense with their pressure defense and ability to force turnovers. Auburn’s length and athleticism were key factors in their defensive success, with multiple players contributing to the team’s swarming defense. By forcing Alabama State into tough shots and creating transition opportunities, Auburn was able to control the game from start to finish.

The Leadership of Jabari Smith

Jabari Smith’s performance was a microcosm of Auburn’s success. His ability to dominate both ends of the floor, scoring efficiently and defending at a high level, made him a matchup nightmare for Alabama State. His leadership and poise were evident, and his all-around performance set the tone for his teammates.

Depth and Versatility

Auburn’s depth was another crucial element of their victory. Players like Wendell Green Jr., K.D. Johnson, and Allen Flanigan all contributed in meaningful ways, giving Auburn a balanced offensive attack. The Tigers were able to rotate players in and out without a significant drop-off in performance, which allowed them to wear down Alabama State and keep up the intensity for 40 minutes.

The Importance of the Fast Break

Auburn’s ability to score in transition was another major factor in their victory. Their speed and athleticism allowed them to capitalize on turnovers and long rebounds, turning them into easy points. The fast break became an effective weapon for Auburn, and it played a key role in their comfortable win.

Looking Ahead: The NCAA Second Round

With their first-round victory in the books, Auburn now sets their sights on the second round of the NCAA Tournament. While their win over Alabama State was impressive, they know that the competition will only get tougher from here on out. Auburn will face a more formidable opponent in the next round, with the stakes rising higher with each passing game.

Head coach Bruce Pearl will likely emphasize the need to stay focused, maintain their defensive intensity, and continue to play their up-tempo style. With a team full of talented players and a coach who has experience taking teams deep into the tournament, Auburn is poised to make a serious run in the tournament.

As March Madness unfolds, Auburn’s victory over Alabama State is just the beginning of what could be a historic tournament run. With their eyes set on the ultimate prize, the Tigers will continue to battle for a chance to cut down the nets and bring home a national championship.

Auburn’s 79-58 victory over Alabama State in the first round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament was a strong statement to the rest of the field. The Tigers showed their depth, defensive prowess, and ability to dominate both ends of the floor, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting tournament run. As they advance to the second round, Auburn will look to build on their success and continue their pursuit of a national championship, knowing that March Madness has just begun.