Auburn takes on Alabama State in opening round of NCAA Tournament

Auburn Takes on Alabama State in Opening Round of NCAA Tournament

As the 2025 NCAA Tournament approaches, anticipation has reached a fever pitch for college basketball fans around the country. For Auburn University and its loyal supporters, this year’s tournament represents a golden opportunity to prove their mettle on the national stage. The Auburn Tigers will face off against Alabama State in the opening round, marking the start of what they hope will be a deep tournament run. This matchup, while perhaps surprising to some, carries significant meaning for both teams, each with its own narrative leading into this critical contest.

For Auburn, the NCAA Tournament is always a chance to elevate their reputation, and for Alabama State, it is an opportunity to show they belong among the nation’s elite. With both teams eager to make a statement, fans can expect an exciting and competitive showdown. In this article, we will break down what makes this matchup so intriguing, how both teams arrived at this point, and what to expect when Auburn and Alabama State take the court in this pivotal opening-round game.

Auburn’s Journey to the NCAA Tournament

Auburn enters the NCAA Tournament with high expectations after a season filled with both triumphs and challenges. Throughout the regular season, Auburn displayed flashes of brilliance, solidifying their place among the top teams in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Head coach Bruce Pearl has consistently cultivated a competitive program, and this year was no different. Despite facing tough competition in the SEC, the Tigers managed to maintain a strong record, including significant wins over ranked opponents.

The Tigers’ strengths this season have been their defensive prowess, depth, and versatility. With players like Wendell Green Jr., Zep Jasper, and Johni Broome contributing both offensively and defensively, Auburn has demonstrated the balance needed to thrive in March Madness. Their ability to adapt to various styles of play has made them one of the more unpredictable teams in the tournament, capable of beating anyone on any given day.

However, despite their strengths, Auburn has had its share of struggles. At times, inconsistent shooting and turnovers have prevented them from reaching their full potential. But as the tournament nears, the Tigers know that they must iron out these issues to make a deep run. In addition to individual talent, Auburn’s success hinges on team chemistry and staying disciplined under pressure. With the guidance of Coach Pearl, the Tigers are determined to capitalize on their strengths and make the most of this opportunity in the NCAA Tournament.

For Auburn, this opening-round matchup against Alabama State represents an important chance to build momentum. Historically, the Tigers have had a strong track record in the NCAA Tournament, having reached the Final Four in 2019 and making numerous deep runs in recent years. This year, they are hungry to prove that they can once again contend for a national championship.

Alabama State’s Tournament Opportunity

While Auburn is a known commodity in the NCAA Tournament, Alabama State University enters the tournament with something to prove. The Hornets from the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) have had an impressive season, culminating in an automatic bid to the tournament after winning the SWAC Championship. Their victory in the conference tournament was a statement, one that earned them respect and recognition among the national basketball community.

Alabama State’s tournament appearance is an achievement in and of itself. For the Hornets, a team with a proud basketball tradition, this is their chance to show that they can hang with the best in the country. They’ve proven themselves against SWAC competition, but the NCAA Tournament offers a much higher level of competition, one that they’ll need to adjust to quickly.

Head coach Mo Williams, a former NBA player with championship pedigree, has been at the helm of Alabama State for the past few seasons. Under his leadership, the Hornets have developed a defensive-first mentality, relying on toughness and grit to compete. They are a team that prides itself on playing hard-nosed basketball, focusing on defense and rebounding, and executing disciplined offensive sets. While not as talented as Auburn on paper, Alabama State has the coaching and heart to make this game competitive.

Key players for Alabama State include Jaylen D. Williams, who has been a standout scorer throughout the season. Williams has a knack for scoring in bunches and can take over games when needed. Additionally, Diante Jones has been a force on the boards, and his physical presence in the paint could be crucial against Auburn’s size and athleticism. If Alabama State can hit their shots and stay disciplined on defense, they may have a chance to make things difficult for Auburn.

Though Alabama State enters as a significant underdog, their success in the SWAC Championship and their well-rounded team will make them a formidable opponent. They may not have the depth or high-profile players that Auburn does, but they possess the heart, coaching, and defensive ability to cause trouble for any opponent.

Key Storylines Leading into the Matchup

1. Auburn’s Defensive Strength vs. Alabama State’s Grit: One of the most intriguing aspects of this matchup is the contrast in playing styles. Auburn is known for its aggressive, in-your-face defense, led by players like Jabari Smith and Walker Kessler in the frontcourt. Auburn’s defense is one of the best in the nation, and it’s one of the primary reasons the Tigers are a dangerous team in March. On the other hand, Alabama State has thrived this season by playing gritty, hard-nosed basketball. The Hornets rely on their defense and toughness to wear down opponents. This contrast in styles will make for an exciting tactical battle.
2. The Impact of Auburn’s Key Players: For Auburn to be successful in the tournament, they will need big performances from their core players. Wendell Green Jr. has been the engine for the Tigers, facilitating offense and making big plays when needed. His ability to create offense and distribute the ball will be critical. Additionally, Johni Broome will need to assert himself as a scoring threat, providing Auburn with the offensive balance they need to succeed. However, Auburn’s success will not only depend on the stars but also on the role players, like Chris Moore, who can come off the bench and make a difference on both ends of the court.
3. Alabama State’s Tournament Mindset: As an underdog, Alabama State will approach this game with a sense of urgency and determination. The Hornets know that they have nothing to lose and everything to gain by upsetting a powerhouse like Auburn. Coach Mo Williams has already established a culture of toughness and grit, but the tournament stage provides an entirely different challenge. Alabama State will need to play perfect basketball to have a chance at an upset, and they will rely on their defense and execution to keep the game close.
4. Coaching Experience: Bruce Pearl is a seasoned NCAA Tournament coach, with multiple deep runs in the tournament throughout his career. His experience in March Madness will be invaluable to Auburn, as he has navigated the highs and lows of the tournament before. On the other hand, Coach Mo Williams, while newer to the college coaching scene, brings a wealth of professional basketball experience that could prove valuable in keeping his team composed under pressure. His ability to keep Alabama State focused and motivated will be crucial as they face off against one of the tournament’s favorites.

What to Expect on Game Day

Fans can expect a highly competitive game, with Auburn looking to assert its dominance early and Alabama State aiming to prove that they belong on this stage. The game will likely feature fast-paced action, with Auburn trying to push the ball in transition and Alabama State looking to slow things down and keep it a half-court battle. The first few minutes will be crucial, as Auburn will want to establish its tempo, while Alabama State will be looking to weather the storm and stay within striking distance.

Auburn’s superior talent and depth should give them an edge, but Alabama State’s toughness and defensive discipline could make for an unpredictable contest. If Auburn comes out flat or fails to execute on offense, Alabama State could capitalize on mistakes and make it a tight game.