College basketball rankings: Auburn’s record gives the Tigers a healthy cushion despite their loss to Texas A&M.
The Auburn Tigers have had an incredibly successful college basketball season in 2024-2025. Despite their unexpected loss to the Texas A&M Aggies, the Tigers have built up a remarkable record that continues to keep them near the top of the national rankings. This has created a healthy cushion for them in the standings, allowing them to remain a top contender for a high seed in the NCAA Tournament. Their journey has been one of impressive highs, including standout performances from key players, but it’s also been a season marked by moments of vulnerability, as demonstrated by their recent loss to Texas A&M.
Auburn’s Strong Start: Dominating the Early Season
Auburn entered the 2024-2025 season with significant expectations, having consistently been a top contender in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in recent years. Their high ranking at the start of the season, bolstered by an impressive group of returning players and new talent, made them a favorite to go deep in the NCAA Tournament. The Tigers were one of the highest-ranked teams in the country, with an overall record that saw them dominating both in-conference and non-conference matchups.
Their early season success was built on strong team dynamics, with contributions from both veterans and new players. The team’s offensive efficiency was one of the best in the nation, and their defense was equally formidable. However, what set Auburn apart was their ability to perform under pressure. Even when they were challenged by strong opponents, the Tigers found ways to close out games and maintain their position atop the rankings.
Central to their success was Johni Broome, a player who had emerged as one of the most exciting talents in college basketball. Broome, a National Player of the Year candidate, played a vital role in both offensive and defensive schemes for the Tigers. His leadership on the court, combined with his skill set, made Auburn one of the most dangerous teams in the country.
Auburn’s Loss to Texas A&M: A Setback, But Not a Death Blow
Despite the overall success of their season, Auburn faced an unexpected challenge when they were defeated by Texas A&M. The Aggies, who were ranked 22nd in the nation at the time, pulled off an upset, defeating the Tigers 83-72 in a game that was marked by aggressive play and dominant rebounding. Auburn’s loss to Texas A&M marked a significant turning point in the Tigers’ season, but it did not cause their downfall.
While a loss to an unranked team would typically signal a potential downfall for a high-ranking team, Auburn’s position in the rankings was secured by the remarkable record they had built up throughout the season. At the time of the loss, Auburn had an impressive 27-2 record, and the performance of the team in their previous games had solidified their standing as one of the top teams in the country. The Tigers’ strength of schedule, coupled with their consistent victories in high-stakes games, allowed them to maintain a cushion despite the loss to Texas A&M.
The loss itself raised several questions, particularly about the Tigers’ vulnerability when it came to teams with a strong physical presence. Texas A&M’s aggressive rebounding and tenacious defense created difficulties for Auburn’s offense, and it was clear that the Tigers were not able to cope with the intensity of the Aggies’ style of play. Johni Broome, who had been a consistent scorer for Auburn, was limited to just eight points, which was a major factor in the team’s inability to find offensive rhythm.
Despite the loss, it’s important to note that Auburn did not fall drastically in the rankings. Their overall body of work up until that point in the season had been impressive enough that they retained their position in the top 10. College basketball analysts often emphasize that rankings are not solely based on individual games, but rather a combination of overall performance, strength of schedule, and consistency. Auburn’s record and their ability to win in the face of adversity provided them with the cushion necessary to stay within the upper echelons of the rankings.
The Bigger Picture: Auburn’s Strengths and Weaknesses
The loss to Texas A&M highlighted certain vulnerabilities for Auburn, but it also brought into sharper focus their strengths. On the positive side, Auburn’s season had been defined by their outstanding offensive efficiency. With Broome leading the way, the Tigers averaged a high number of points per game and demonstrated an ability to score in a variety of ways. Their fast-paced offense, often marked by fast breaks and aggressive ball movement, made them difficult to defend against, especially when they were executing well.
Auburn also stood out for their balanced scoring. While Broome was the centerpiece of the team, other players like Allen Flanigan and Wendell Green Jr. contributed heavily to the Tigers’ offensive output. Flanigan, a versatile forward, had moments of brilliance throughout the season, particularly in big games against SEC rivals. Green Jr., on the other hand, was one of the top playmakers in the conference and could be counted on to distribute the ball and create scoring opportunities for his teammates.
However, the loss to Texas A&M also revealed that Auburn’s defensive game, particularly in the paint, needed improvement. Texas A&M’s physicality on the boards and their ability to limit Auburn’s second-chance opportunities were crucial factors in the upset. While the Tigers had been solid defensively for most of the season, this game exposed weaknesses in their ability to protect the rim and secure rebounds, especially against bigger, more physical teams.
One of Auburn’s biggest concerns moving forward would be addressing these defensive lapses. While they had been effective against teams with less physicality, the loss to Texas A&M demonstrated that a more aggressive style of play could exploit their weaknesses. This was particularly important for their prospects in the upcoming NCAA Tournament, where they would undoubtedly face teams with diverse playing styles.
Auburn’s Road to the NCAA Tournament
Despite the setback against Texas A&M, Auburn remained in an excellent position to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Their overall record and strength of schedule would likely keep them in the hunt for a high seed, and their consistent performance in key games had established them as one of the top teams in the nation.
In the days following their loss, Auburn was still considered a contender for the No. 1 overall seed in the tournament, thanks to their strong body of work throughout the regular season. A strong performance in their remaining regular-season games, particularly against other high-ranked teams in the SEC, would further solidify their claim for a top seed. A crucial upcoming game against No. 7 Alabama could have serious implications for Auburn’s seeding, as both teams were in the hunt for favorable positioning in the NCAA Tournament bracket.
As the Tigers moved closer to the postseason, they would need to address the concerns that were raised in their loss to Texas A&M. Improving their defense and ensuring that Broome remained a dominant force on the court would be key to their chances of success. But even with the loss, Auburn’s standing in the national rankings and their position as one of the best teams in the country were unshaken, giving them a significant cushion heading into the final stretch of the season.
Looking Ahead: Auburn’s Potential in the NCAA Tournament
As Auburn gears up for the NCAA Tournament, all eyes will be on how they respond to their first real setback of the season. If they can correct the defensive issues exposed by Texas A&M, the Tigers have the talent and coaching to make a deep run. Their offensive firepower, combined with a renewed focus on defensive execution, could make them a formidable opponent for any team in the tournament.
The key for Auburn in the coming weeks will be to maintain their composure, fine-tune their weaknesses, and continue to rely on the leadership of players like Johni Broome. If they can do that, they will remain one of the top contenders for the national title.
In conclusion, while Auburn’s loss to Texas A&M certainly made waves in the college basketball world, their overall season performance has provided them with a cushion that should keep them competitive for a high seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Tigers’ journey has been a testament to their resilience and ability to bounce back from setbacks, and despite the upset, they are still very much in the mix for a national championship.
