Auburn Looks to Advance Against Alabama State in NCAA Tournament Opener

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The No. 1 seeded Auburn Tigers are set to face the No. 16 seeded Alabama State Hornets in the first round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship at Rupp Arena on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 2:50 p.m. ET. With a record of 28-5, Auburn enters the tournament with high expectations, needing to secure a victory to advance further toward their goal of a national championship.

Auburn clinched the Southeastern Conference (SEC) title this season, but their momentum has faltered in recent weeks, as they enter the matchup having lost three of their last four games. Coach Bruce Pearl emphasized the importance of focusing on one game at a time. “Defense and rebounding are going to travel,” he noted during a pregame press conference. “There are going to be some nights we’re going to shoot it really well, and some nights we are not going to shoot it well.”

Forward Chaney Johnson echoed his coach’s sentiments, stating, “That’s just selflessness, and putting our bodies on the line to get wins. Diving on the floor. Sprinting up and down the court on defense and offense. Doing all the little things that gave us success. I feel like falling back to those things will lead us to success.”

Facing Auburn, Alabama State heads into the tournament as significant underdogs. The Hornets come into the game with a record of 20-15. Auburn is widely regarded among the top teams in the nation, especially given the contrasting strength of their seasons. The last meeting between the two teams had Auburn coming out on top decisively.

Alabama State’s head coach, Tony Madlock, who previously worked on Auburn’s coaching staff, is aware of the challenge his team faces. The matchup promises to be a unique emotional experience for Madlock as he returns to face his former team. “It’s a big game for us,” Madlock said. “We know what’s at stake, and we are ready to compete.”

The game will be broadcast live on CBS, and the radio call can be heard on WLWI FM (92.3) in Montgomery and WGZZ FM (94.3) in Auburn. Play-by-play announcer Brian Anderson, alongside color commentator Jim Jackson, will provide coverage, with Allie LaForce on the sidelines.

Auburn fans are eager for an emphatic victory to reclaim their previous form, especially after a period of inconsistent play. The Tigers will look to showcase their skills against Alabama State and move one step closer to securing a national title.