AUBURN ADVANCES: The Tigers are Sweet 16 bound for the first time since 2019 when the team made it to the Final Four.
AUBURN, Ala. — For the first time since their magical run to the Final Four in 2019, the Auburn Tigers are back in the Sweet 16, reigniting hopes and memories of a fanbase hungry for another deep NCAA Tournament push.
With a gritty and decisive 78-70 victory over a resilient opponent in the Round of 32, Bruce Pearl’s squad has punched its ticket to the second weekend of March Madness, a destination that has eluded the Tigers for the past five seasons. The win marks a significant milestone for a program that has been knocking on the door of greatness, only to fall short in recent years.
The Road Back to the Sweet 16
Since Auburn’s historic Final Four run in 2019, expectations have soared on The Plains. That team, led by names like Jared Harper, Bryce Brown, and Chuma Okeke, captivated the nation with its fearless play and heart-stopping upsets of blue-blood programs like Kansas, North Carolina, and Kentucky.
Yet, in the seasons that followed, Auburn struggled to replicate that postseason magic. Between pandemic disruptions, roster turnover, and tough SEC competition, the Tigers have had their share of ups and downs. Despite these challenges, head coach Bruce Pearl, now in his tenth season at Auburn, has consistently kept the Tigers competitive and relevant on the national stage.
This year’s team has been a model of resilience and balance. Finishing the regular season as one of the top teams in the SEC, Auburn entered the NCAA Tournament as a No. 4 seed, carrying a 25-8 record and the confidence of a team ready to make noise.
A Team Built for March
Unlike the 2019 squad, which relied heavily on guard play and streaky three-point shooting, this year’s Tigers have showcased a more balanced approach. Led by a veteran core featuring senior guard K.D. Johnson, junior forward Johni Broome, and transfer sharpshooter Denver Jones, Auburn has proven they can win in a variety of ways.
Their Round of 64 matchup against a scrappy 13-seed provided a stern test, but the Tigers’ depth and defensive prowess carried them through. It set the stage for their Round of 32 showdown, where Auburn would once again lean on its defensive identity and timely scoring to prevail.
Johni Broome has been at the heart of Auburn’s success all season, and his presence was felt in the Round of 32 game. The 6-foot-10 forward delivered a commanding double-double performance, posting 18 points and 12 rebounds while anchoring Auburn’s interior defense. His ability to dominate the paint on both ends gave Auburn a clear edge.
Meanwhile, K.D. Johnson continued his knack for delivering in high-pressure situations. The senior guard poured in 16 points, including a clutch three-pointer late in the second half that helped fend off a rally from their opponent. Johnson’s leadership and fiery competitiveness have been invaluable to Auburn’s tournament run so far.
Perhaps the biggest surprise, though, came from sophomore guard Tre Donaldson, who provided a spark off the bench. Donaldson chipped in 11 points and dished out five assists, helping to stabilize the Tigers’ offense when foul trouble briefly forced Johnson to the bench.
Bruce Pearl’s Impact and Legacy
Bruce Pearl’s fingerprints are all over Auburn’s rise as a basketball power. When he arrived in 2014, the Tigers were an SEC afterthought, far more known for football than basketball success. Under Pearl’s guidance, Auburn has not only returned to national relevance but has become a program capable of competing with—and beating—college basketball’s elite.
This Sweet 16 appearance is Pearl’s second at Auburn and the fifth of his career. It adds another chapter to his tenure, which already includes SEC regular-season and tournament championships, NCAA Tournament runs, and program-first achievements like the 2019 Final Four berth.
After the game, Pearl was quick to deflect praise onto his players. “This is about these young men and how much they’ve bought in,” Pearl said. “They’ve worked hard all season. They’ve sacrificed for each other, and they’ve stayed committed to the process. I’m just so proud to be their coach.”
Pearl also acknowledged the Auburn faithful, who turned out in full force to support the Tigers. “Our fans are incredible,” Pearl added. “They travel, they make noise, and they give us a real advantage. We felt their energy out there tonight.”
A Return to National Spotlight
With the Sweet 16 berth secured, Auburn has once again entered the national conversation. Analysts are drawing comparisons to the 2019 team that stormed through the South Region to reach the Final Four. While this team has a different composition, the common thread is clear: Auburn thrives when it plays with toughness, discipline, and a chip on its shoulder.
The Tigers are battle-tested after a grueling SEC schedule that saw them notch wins over perennial powers like Kentucky and Tennessee. That experience has prepared them for the win-or-go-home nature of the NCAA Tournament.
“We’ve been through a lot together this season,” Broome said postgame. “In the SEC, every night is a fight, and we feel like that’s prepared us for this moment. We’re ready to keep it going.”
What’s Next: Sweet 16 Matchup Looms
Looking ahead, Auburn’s path to another Final Four will only get tougher. The Tigers will face a No. 1 seed next, a team that has looked dominant throughout the tournament. The matchup will pit Auburn’s vaunted defense and physicality against one of the nation’s most potent offenses.
Pearl knows the challenge that lies ahead but isn’t shying away. “We’re going to respect whoever we play, but we’re also going to be fearless,” Pearl said. “We belong here, and we’re not satisfied with just making the Sweet 16.”
Auburn’s game plan will likely center around controlling the tempo, winning the rebounding battle, and limiting turnovers—key ingredients for success against high-octane offenses. The Tigers will also need continued production from their bench, an area that has quietly been a strength all season.
The X-Factors Moving Forward
For Auburn to continue its run, several players will need to maintain or elevate their performances. In particular, Auburn’s perimeter shooting will be critical. Denver Jones, the transfer guard known for his three-point prowess, could play a pivotal role in stretching opposing defenses. If Jones can get hot from deep, it will open up driving lanes for Johnson and feed opportunities for Broome inside.
Defensively, Auburn will need to continue to rely on Broome’s shot-blocking ability and the perimeter pressure applied by Johnson and Donaldson. The Tigers rank among the nation’s top teams in defensive efficiency, a stat that will be put to the test against their next opponent.
The intangible factor may be Auburn’s confidence and chemistry. This group plays with a collective belief that is palpable on the court. They celebrate each other’s successes, pick each other up during rough patches, and embody the kind of unity that can power teams through March.
Fans Dare to Dream Once Again
Back in Auburn, the campus and community are buzzing. The memory of 2019’s Final Four run still feels fresh, and the excitement is palpable as fans allow themselves to dream big once again.
For students like Emily Carter, a junior who remembers watching the 2019 run as a high schooler, this Sweet 16 appearance feels like a full-circle moment. “I’ve always believed in this program,” Carter said. “Seeing them back in the Sweet 16 gives us hope that we can go even further this time.”
With Bruce Pearl at the helm, a veteran-laden roster, and a fanbase that rallies behind them, the Tigers have all the elements needed for another memorable March.
Final Thoughts
As Auburn basks in the glow of a hard-fought Sweet 16 berth, the echoes of 2019 grow louder. But this team, while inspired by the past, is writing its own story—one possession, one game, and one victory at a time.
For now, the Tigers will celebrate this milestone, but their eyes remain fixed on a larger goal. The road to the Final Four is as treacherous as ever, but Auburn has proven they are built to walk it.
And as they advance deeper into March, one thing is clear: Auburn basketball is back—and they’re not done yet.
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