Prior to the SEC tournament, No. 22 Texas A&M pulls off a historic upset against No. 1 Auburn.
March 2025 witnessed one of the most thrilling upsets in recent college basketball history as No. 22 Texas A&M shocked No. 1 Auburn with a 75-72 victory in a game that would come to define the Aggies’ season. This was no ordinary win. It was a testament to resilience, strategy, and a relentless drive to prove that rankings are just numbers—what matters most is how you perform when it counts.
A Historic Victory
Texas A&M had entered the game as significant underdogs. Ranked No. 22 in the nation, the Aggies faced off against an Auburn team that had been dominating all season. With a blend of elite defense, efficient offense, and one of the most talented players in college basketball, Auburn seemed unstoppable. But Texas A&M was not intimidated. In fact, they approached the game with a level of confidence that defied the expectations of the basketball world. The victory was historic, marking the first time in nearly a decade that a team ranked so low had taken down the nation’s top-ranked squad.
This win sent shockwaves through the college basketball world, particularly because Auburn had been riding a 23-game winning streak. The Tigers’ only loss had come earlier in the season, but that didn’t dampen their standing as the undisputed number-one team in the nation. Texas A&M’s win over Auburn wasn’t just an upset; it was a clear message: they were a force to be reckoned with as the SEC Tournament loomed.
The Lead-Up to the Game
Before the historic upset, Texas A&M had quietly flown under the radar. While the team had performed well throughout the season, with a solid record in SEC play, few believed they had the firepower to compete with an Auburn squad that had been nothing short of dominant.
Auburn, led by their charismatic and talented head coach, Bruce Pearl, had built a program that combined fast-paced offense with an aggressive defensive scheme. Their star player, center KJ Adams, was a potential NBA lottery pick, a versatile big man capable of scoring from anywhere on the floor and anchoring one of the toughest defenses in the country. Add in a slew of other talented players and Auburn looked primed to add another SEC title to their collection.
Texas A&M, meanwhile, had built its success on team-oriented basketball. Head coach Buzz Williams had transformed the Aggies into a well-coached, disciplined team that thrived on defense and ball movement. They lacked the same star power that Auburn boasted, but they more than made up for it with grit, hustle, and a strong sense of identity.
The Aggies’ formula for success revolved around balance. They didn’t rely on any one player but rather played unselfishly, moving the ball around, hitting open shots, and playing tough defense. They had moments of brilliance throughout the season but had never shown a level of dominance that would lead anyone to believe they could beat a team as good as Auburn. But in the final regular-season matchup before the SEC Tournament, they were ready to prove everyone wrong.
Game Analysis: The Aggies’ Tactical Masterclass
As the game began, it was clear that Texas A&M had come with a game plan that would test Auburn’s strength. The Aggies came out with a defensive scheme that forced Auburn into uncomfortable shooting situations. Texas A&M’s defense was suffocating, pushing Auburn’s shooters to take contested shots from the perimeter. The result was an early struggle for the Tigers, who had relied on their high-powered offense to win games all season.
Auburn’s KJ Adams, typically a dominant force in the paint, found himself facing a relentless double-team whenever he touched the ball in the post. The Aggies were determined not to let him beat them. Meanwhile, Texas A&M’s perimeter defense was equally sharp, preventing Auburn’s shooters from getting into a rhythm. Guard play for Texas A&M was stellar, with the Aggies’ guards applying consistent pressure on Auburn’s offense and forcing turnovers at crucial moments.
On the offensive end, the Aggies executed a fast-paced, efficient style of play. They moved the ball with precision, finding open shooters on the wings and taking advantage of mismatches. Forward Julius Kimbrough had an outstanding game, scoring 18 points and grabbing key rebounds in crucial moments. His ability to hit contested shots and finish in the paint was critical to the Aggies’ success.
But it wasn’t just Kimbrough. Guards Tyrone Webber and Chace Robinson combined for 32 points, providing scoring when the team needed it most. Webber was particularly effective in the second half, hitting a pair of clutch three-pointers and knocking down free throws to seal the game. Robinson, meanwhile, was a steady presence, running the offense and managing the tempo with poise.
Despite Auburn’s strong defense, the Aggies’ offensive attack was patient and systematic. They consistently found open looks and were unafraid to slow the game down when necessary. The team had managed to stick to its game plan despite moments when Auburn threatened to go on runs that could have swung the momentum in their favor.
The turning point came late in the second half. With the game tied at 68, the Aggies found themselves with the ball and under heavy pressure. With 35 seconds left on the clock, Webber drove to the basket, drawing defenders, and kicked the ball out to Kimbrough, who drained a three-pointer to give Texas A&M a three-point lead. Auburn had one last possession, but the Aggies’ defense stood strong, forcing a contested three-pointer from Auburn guard Brandon Thomas, which missed as time expired. The crowd erupted in celebration, and Texas A&M had pulled off one of the greatest upsets in SEC basketball history.
The Impact of the Win
The win over Auburn was a statement victory for Texas A&M, and its impact extended beyond just this game. First and foremost, it gave the Aggies a tremendous boost heading into the SEC Tournament. With the victory, Texas A&M solidified its place as a legitimate contender for the SEC title and improved its seeding for March Madness.
But it also showed that anything is possible in college basketball. In an era where teams like Auburn, Duke, and Kansas are consistently at the top, the Aggies’ win proved that upsets can happen, and the underdog can rise when they least expect it. Texas A&M’s win would be remembered as a key moment in the season, a reminder that in March, anything is possible.
For Auburn, the loss was a tough pill to swallow. Their undefeated streak had come to an end, and they now had to regroup quickly ahead of the SEC Tournament. Despite the loss, they remained one of the top teams in the country and were still considered one of the favorites to win the national title. But the upset forced Auburn to reexamine its weaknesses, especially its inability to perform under pressure when faced with aggressive, disciplined defenses.
Buzz Williams: The Architect of the Upset
Much of the credit for Texas A&M’s success in this game went to head coach Buzz Williams. Known for his defensive schemes and attention to detail, Williams had prepared his team thoroughly for this moment. His ability to put together a game plan that neutralized Auburn’s strengths and capitalized on their weaknesses was nothing short of genius.
Williams had taken the Aggies from a team on the rise to one that was now positioned to make a deep run in the postseason. His focus on defense and ball control was the perfect counter to Auburn’s high-flying offense, and it was clear that his leadership was a key reason why Texas A&M was able to achieve such an improbable victory.
Looking Ahead: The Road to the SEC Tournament and March Madness
With the historic victory over Auburn behind them, Texas A&M turned its focus to the SEC Tournament. The Aggies were no longer underdogs—they were contenders. The victory over Auburn showed that they could compete with the best, and they entered the tournament with newfound confidence.
The path ahead would not be easy, with teams like Kentucky, Alabama, and Arkansas all vying for the top spot in the SEC. However, the Aggies knew that they had proven themselves capable of greatness, and anything was possible from here on out.
For Auburn, the loss served as a wake-up call. The Tigers were still one of the best teams in the country, but they would need to refine their game before the NCAA Tournament. Despite the setback, they were poised to make a deep run, but their performance in the SEC Tournament would be a key indicator of their readiness for March Madness.
