No. 1 Auburn Tigers vs. Alabama State NCAA Tournament Preview
The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament is set to kick off, and one of the most anticipated matchups in the Round of 64 features the No. 1 overall seed, the Auburn Tigers, facing off against the No. 16 seed, Alabama State Hornets. With the excitement of March Madness building, this game presents a thrilling clash of basketball titans and underdogs. Auburn, with its star-studded roster and dominant performance throughout the season, enters as the overwhelming favorite. However, as we’ve seen time and again in the unpredictable nature of the tournament, anything can happen, and Alabama State will certainly be looking to pull off a historic upset.
In this preview, we will break down what fans can expect from the game, highlight key players to watch on both teams, delve into the strategies that each team will bring to the table, and provide all the details you need on how to watch this exciting matchup.
Auburn Tigers: The No. 1 Seed
Auburn enters the NCAA Tournament as the No. 1 seed in the South Region, earning the top spot with an outstanding season that saw them finish with a 31-2 overall record. This is the first time in Auburn’s basketball history that the Tigers have earned a No. 1 seed, making this an incredibly significant moment for the program. Head coach Bruce Pearl has done an exceptional job of molding his team into one of the most complete and dangerous units in college basketball, with a combination of talent, depth, and strategic execution that has made them nearly unbeatable all season.
Auburn’s Key Strengths
- Offensive Firepower: Auburn’s offensive scheme is potent and dynamic. The Tigers average nearly 80 points per game, and their ability to score in a variety of ways makes them a nightmare for opposing defenses. Whether it’s through transition offense, shooting from beyond the arc, or attacking the rim, Auburn can put up points quickly.
- Defensive Dominance: Defensively, Auburn is just as impressive. The Tigers rank among the nation’s top teams in both field goal defense and blocks per game. Their ability to disrupt opposing offenses through pressure, fast breaks, and defensive versatility is one of the reasons they’ve had such a successful season.
- Depth and Versatility: Auburn’s roster is stacked with players who can contribute in different ways. The Tigers’ depth ensures that they can weather any storm, with players ready to step up when needed.
Key Players to Watch
- Jabari Smith (Forward): One of the most highly regarded prospects for the 2025 NBA Draft, Jabari Smith has been Auburn’s cornerstone all season. A 6’10” forward, Smith can score from anywhere on the floor—whether it’s a jump shot, a dunk, or a three-pointer—and is also a top-tier rebounder and shot blocker. He has the potential to take over games and will be the focal point of Auburn’s offense in this matchup.
- Wendell Green Jr. (Guard): The point guard is the engine that drives Auburn’s offense. Green Jr. averages 5.6 assists per game and is adept at creating opportunities for his teammates. His ability to distribute the ball, control the pace of the game, and make plays in crucial moments will be essential for Auburn’s success in this tournament.
- K.D. Johnson (Guard): A fiery and aggressive guard, K.D. Johnson has shown the ability to change the course of a game with his energy and scoring. He is capable of driving to the basket and is also a strong perimeter shooter. Johnson’s defensive intensity will be crucial as well, as he can disrupt the opposing team’s offensive flow.
- Walker Kessler (Center): Kessler, a 7-foot center, has been a dominant force in the paint both offensively and defensively. His shot-blocking ability (averaging over 3 blocks per game) has made him one of the most feared defenders in the country. Kessler’s presence in the paint makes Auburn’s defense nearly impenetrable.
Alabama State Hornets: The Underdogs
Alabama State enters the tournament as the No. 16 seed in the South Region, having earned their spot by winning the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Tournament. Their overall record of 18-14 doesn’t stand out as much as Auburn’s, but Alabama State’s ability to grind out victories in the competitive SWAC has earned them a chance to compete on the national stage. While they come into the matchup as the massive underdogs, the Hornets will look to play spoiler in a way that has been a staple of March Madness upsets over the years.
Alabama State’s Key Strengths
- Defensive Resilience: Alabama State’s defense is their main strength. They’ve built their identity around limiting opponents’ scoring opportunities and slowing down the pace of the game. While their offense is not as explosive as Auburn’s, the Hornets can make games uncomfortable for high-powered teams by controlling the tempo and staying disciplined on defense.
- Ball Control and Patience: The Hornets excel at controlling the clock, limiting possessions, and playing smart, efficient basketball. In a game against a team as talented as Auburn, Alabama State will need to ensure that they manage their offensive possessions carefully and avoid quick, inefficient shots.
Key Players to Watch
- Jahari Grant (Guard): Alabama State’s star player, Jahari Grant is their primary offensive weapon. Grant has averaged 16.4 points per game this season and is known for his ability to score in a variety of ways, from long-range shooting to attacking the basket. For Alabama State to have any chance of pulling off an upset, Grant will need to play a flawless game and lead his team both offensively and as a leader on the floor.
- Kameron McGusty (Forward): A versatile forward who can stretch the floor with his shooting and also be a force on the boards, McGusty is one of the most important players for Alabama State. His ability to contribute offensively, while also providing leadership in the frontcourt, will be key if Alabama State hopes to keep the game competitive.
- Javon Levi (Guard): Known for his tenacious defense, Levi will likely be tasked with guarding Auburn’s high-scoring guards, especially Wendell Green Jr. and K.D. Johnson. His ability to disrupt Auburn’s ball movement and apply pressure in the backcourt will be crucial for the Hornets if they are to have any chance at an upset.
How Auburn Can Win
For Auburn, the key to victory is straightforward: play their game. Their talent and depth are simply too much for Alabama State to handle. Auburn will look to control the pace from the tip-off, pushing the tempo in transition and getting out on fast breaks. Defensively, the Tigers will look to use their size and athleticism to shut down the Hornets’ shooters, particularly Jahari Grant, and force them into tough, contested shots.
Offensively, Auburn will need to make sure they don’t fall into Alabama State’s trap of a slow-paced, methodical game. By getting out in transition and allowing their playmakers—especially Jabari Smith and Wendell Green Jr.—to operate freely, Auburn can wear down Alabama State’s defense and create easy scoring opportunities.
How Alabama State Can Win
Alabama State is an extreme underdog in this matchup, but as is the case with any 16-seed in March Madness, they do have a few ways to pull off the upset:
- Control the Tempo: Alabama State’s best chance is to slow down the game and limit Auburn’s possessions. By playing a deliberate, patient offensive style and making the game more methodical, the Hornets can prevent Auburn from getting into their fast-paced, high-scoring rhythm.
- Defensive Pressure: Alabama State will need to make life difficult for Auburn’s high-powered offense. Guarding Wendell Green Jr. and K.D. Johnson will be paramount, as they are key to Auburn’s offensive success. If the Hornets can disrupt the ball movement and force Auburn to play at an uncomfortable pace, they might be able to keep the game close.
- Jahari Grant Must Be Elite: For Alabama State to pull off the upset, Jahari Grant must have a monster game. He will need to score efficiently, hit big shots, and potentially take over down the stretch. His leadership and ability to generate offense will be a major factor in how well Alabama State fares in this game.
How to Watch the Game
The Auburn Tigers vs. Alabama State Hornets is one of the first games of the 2025 NCAA Tournament, and it promises to be an exciting matchup filled with drama, intensity, and the chance for history-making moments. Here’s everything you need to know about how to watch:
- Date: Friday, March 21, 2025
- Time: 12:00 PM ET
- Location: Legacy Arena, Birmingham, Alabama
- TV Coverage: CBS
- Streaming: CBS Sports App, NCAA March Madness Live
Fans can tune in for live coverage on CBS or stream the game on the NCAA March Madness Live app, which offers coverage of all tournament games.