No. 1 Auburn Tigers Round 1 NCAA Tournament Preview, How to Watch.Reas full details

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No. 1 Auburn Tigers Round 1 NCAA Tournament Preview, How to Watch.Reas full details

The Auburn Tigers enter the 2025 NCAA Tournament as the No. 1 seed in the South Region, a position they earned after an outstanding regular season and a dominant showing in the SEC Tournament. With high expectations surrounding their tournament run, Auburn is set to face No. 16 seed Alabama State in the first round. This article provides a comprehensive preview of Auburn’s opening game, key players to watch, team strengths and weaknesses, and how fans can catch all the action.

Game Overview

Auburn’s opening matchup in the NCAA Tournament presents an opportunity for the Tigers to set the tone for their championship aspirations. Historically, No. 1 seeds have dominated No. 16 seeds in the first round, but Auburn must remain focused to avoid any complacency.

Alabama State enters the tournament as the SWAC Tournament champion, earning an automatic bid after an impressive postseason run. While the Hornets are significant underdogs, March Madness has proven time and again that anything can happen. Auburn will need to rely on its strengths to secure a comfortable win and advance to the second round.

Key Players to Watch

Auburn Tigers

  • Johni Broome (Forward) – Auburn’s leading scorer and rebounder, Broome has been a dominant force in the paint all season. His ability to control the boards and protect the rim will be crucial in this matchup.
  • KD Johnson (Guard) – A high-energy player with the ability to take over a game, Johnson’s defensive intensity and three-point shooting make him a key asset for Auburn.
  • Tre Donaldson (Point Guard) – As the primary floor general, Donaldson’s playmaking and leadership will be essential in ensuring Auburn maintains control of the game.
  • Jaylin Williams (Forward) – A versatile forward who can stretch the floor, Williams’ ability to score inside and from beyond the arc gives Auburn an added dimension.

Alabama State Hornets

  • Kendric Davis (Guard) – The Hornets’ top scorer, Davis has the ability to create his own shot and lead Alabama State’s offense.
  • Gerald Liddell (Forward) – A strong rebounder and interior presence, Liddell will be tasked with matching Auburn’s physicality in the paint.

Auburn’s Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

  • Elite Defense – Auburn boasts one of the best defensive units in the nation, ranking in the top 10 in defensive efficiency. Their ability to force turnovers and contest shots makes them a nightmare for opposing teams.
  • Depth and Athleticism – The Tigers have a deep bench, allowing them to maintain a high level of intensity throughout the game. Their athleticism helps them dominate in transition and on the boards.
  • Three-Point Shooting – Auburn has multiple players who can knock down shots from beyond the arc, giving them the ability to stretch defenses and create spacing for their inside game.

Weaknesses:

  • Turnover Issues – At times, Auburn has struggled with careless turnovers, which could be problematic if Alabama State is able to capitalize on mistakes.
  • Free Throw Shooting – The Tigers have had inconsistent performances at the free-throw line, an area they’ll need to improve upon as they advance in the tournament.

Game Predictions and Analysis

Auburn enters the game as heavy favorites, and for good reason. They have a significant advantage in size, talent, and experience. Alabama State’s best chance at making the game competitive is to slow the pace, hit a high percentage of three-pointers, and force Auburn into foul trouble. However, if Auburn plays to their strengths and maintains their defensive intensity, they should have no problem securing a comfortable victory.

Score Prediction: Auburn 85, Alabama State 62

How to Watch

  • Date: Thursday, March 21, 2025
  • Time: 2:50 PM ET
  • TV Broadcast: CBS
  • Live Stream: Paramount+, Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV Stream

Fans can also follow live updates through Auburn’s official social media channels and ESPN’s live game tracker.

Looking Ahead

Should Auburn advance past the first round, they will face the winner of the No. 8 vs. No. 9 matchup in the South Region. The road to the Final Four will not be easy, but with a dominant performance in Round 1, the Tigers can build momentum for the tougher challenges ahead.

Auburn fans have plenty to be excited about as the Tigers begin their March Madness journey. With a well-rounded team and a strong coaching staff, they have all the pieces needed to make a deep tournament run. The first step begins against Alabama State—now it’s time to see if Auburn can live up to their No. 1 seed billing and set the stage for a championship push.

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