Auburn’s three losses in their last four games had fans sweating, but Thursday’s 88-62 smackdown of Alabama State in the NCAA Tournament says the Tigers are back. Johni Broome bullied the paint for 18 points and 12 boards, and their defense suffocated the Hornets like a python. No team’s won a title with that pre-tourney skid—until now? Auburn’s making a case.
Let’s set the scene: first half, Broome snags an offensive board, powers through two defenders, and dunks—crowd roars, Alabama State wilts. The Tigers shot 52% and held their foes to 38%, per NCAA stats. Their press was relentless—18 turnovers forced—and K.D. Johnson’s hustle (3 steals) set the tone. This wasn’t a fluke; it was a statement.
The SEC title game flop to Florida stung, but this win flips the script. Jaylin Williams’ 16 points off smooth jumpers showed depth, and their 10-for-22 from three silenced perimeter doubters. X fans are hyping “Auburn to the Final Four,” and it’s not crazy—Bart Torvik’s analytics give them a 19% title shot.
Round two’s looming, and Auburn’s got momentum. If they keep this fire, that ugly stat’s just trivia. The Tigers are hunting—watch out, March.
