Kelly’s 3s key No. 1 Auburn’s 83-63 NCAA tourney win over Alabama State

by

Kelly’s 3s key No. 1 Auburn’s 83-63 NCAA tourney win over Alabama State

​In the opening round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament, the top-seeded Auburn Tigers secured a decisive 83-63 victory over the 16th-seeded Alabama State Hornets at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky. This win propels Auburn into the Round of 32, where they are set to face the ninth-seeded Creighton Bluejays, who advanced after defeating Louisville 89-75. ​ESPN.com+2Mid-Major Madness+2Auburn Tigers Athletics+2BVM Sports+4Auburn Tigers Athletics+4Reuters+4

Miles Kelly’s Record-Tying Performance

Auburn’s triumph was significantly bolstered by senior guard Miles Kelly, who delivered an outstanding performance by sinking seven three-pointers and accumulating a total of 23 points. His seven successful shots from beyond the arc matched the program’s NCAA Tournament single-game record, previously set by Bryce Brown during Auburn’s 2019 Final Four run. ​ESPN.com+3Mid-Major Madness+3BVM Sports+3Auburn Tigers Athletics

Kelly’s shooting accuracy was evident from the outset, as he connected on his first four three-point attempts, propelling Auburn to an early 12-2 lead. Reflecting on his performance, Kelly credited his teammates for creating scoring opportunities, stating, “My teammates did a great job of finding me, and all I had to do was knock it down.” ​The Auburn Plainsman

Johni Broome’s Historic Double-Double

Complementing Kelly’s perimeter shooting, junior forward Johni Broome dominated the interior, recording 14 points and securing 11 rebounds. This marked Broome’s 19th double-double of the season, surpassing the previous Auburn single-season record held by Mike Mitchell since the 1974-75 season. ​The Auburn Plainsman+3ESPN.com+3BVM Sports+3Auburn Tigers Athletics

Broome’s presence in the paint was pivotal, especially during critical junctures of the game. His ability to control the boards and contribute offensively provided Auburn with a balanced attack that Alabama State struggled to counter.​Duke Basketball Report+4Auburn Tigers Athletics+4ESPN.com+4The Auburn Plainsman+1ESPN.com+1

Contributions from Pettiford and Johnson

Freshman guard Tahaad Pettiford and junior forward Chaney Johnson also played instrumental roles in Auburn’s victory. Pettiford tallied 16 points, five rebounds, and five assists, showcasing his versatility and composure in his NCAA Tournament debut. Johnson added 13 points and seven rebounds off the bench, providing a significant boost and demonstrating Auburn’s depth. ​BVM Sports+3Auburn Tigers Athletics+3The Auburn Plainsman+3

Game Dynamics and Turning Points

The Tigers established an early lead, but the Hornets displayed resilience, narrowing the gap to a single point (32-31) late in the first half. However, Auburn responded with a decisive 9-0 run to close the half, highlighted by Broome’s baseline jump hook and Kelly’s fifth three-pointer, extending their lead to 41-31 at halftime. ​Mid-Major Madness+2ESPN.com+2The Auburn Plainsman+2Auburn Tigers Athletics+1The Auburn Plainsman+1

In the second half, Auburn intensified their defensive efforts, effectively doubling their lead within the first seven minutes. Pettiford’s four-point play, followed by a three-pointer from Denver Jones, and a highlight-reel dunk from Dylan Cardwell, energized the team and the crowd. Kelly continued his sharpshooting, adding his sixth three-pointer to extend the lead further. ​Auburn Tigers Athletics

Alabama State’s Valiant Effort

Despite the loss, Alabama State’s performance was commendable. The Hornets, champions of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), showcased determination and skill. Sophomore guard Amarr Knox led Alabama State with 18 points, while junior guard TJ Madlock contributed 11 points. ​Mid-Major Madness+1ESPN.com+1Mid-Major Madness+2ESPN.com+2Mid-Major Madness+2

Under the guidance of head coach Tony Madlock, the Hornets achieved their first winning season since 2014-15 and secured their inaugural NCAA Tournament victory against Saint Francis in the First Four. Coach Madlock expressed pride in his team’s accomplishments, highlighting the challenges faced by Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in achieving such success. ​Mid-Major Madness+1ESPN.com+1

Auburn’s Outlook Moving Forward

With this victory, Auburn improves to 29-5 on the season and advances to face Creighton in the Round of 32. Head coach Bruce Pearl acknowledged that while the team secured the win, there is room for improvement as they progress in the tournament. He emphasized the need for increased sharpness and energy, stating, “We just weren’t sharp… I just didn’t think we did today.” ​Auburn Tigers Athletics+2ESPN.com+2BVM Sports+2

The upcoming matchup against Creighton presents an opportunity for Auburn to refine their strategies and continue their pursuit of a national championship. The Tigers’ balanced offense, combined with their defensive capabilities, positions them as formidable contenders in the tournament.​

In summary, Auburn’s first-round victory was characterized by exceptional individual performances, strategic adjustments, and a collective determination to advance. As the tournament progresses, the Tigers aim to build on this foundation, striving for excellence in their quest for glory.

Leave a Comment