Auburn Tigers Face Creighton Bluejays in March Madness Showdown

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The No. 1 seed Auburn Tigers (29-5) will face off against the No. 9 seed Creighton Bluejays (25-10) on Saturday at 7:10 p.m. ET in a second-round matchup of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at Rupp Arena.

Auburn secured its top overall seed in the tournament after defeating Alabama State 83-63 in the first round. The Tigers showcased a formidable performance, with guard Miles Kelly scoring 23 points, helping the team extend its quest for a first-ever national title.

“We have depth and balance,” said Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl. “Our players are ready for the challenges the tournament brings, and we’re striving to make history.”

Creighton, advancing to at least the Sweet 16 in three of the last four NCAA Tournaments, also displayed their prowess in their first-round matchup, defeating Louisville 89-75. The Bluejays excel in their shooting abilities and bring significant NCAA Tournament experience to the court.

“We’ve been in high-pressure situations before,” said Creighton head coach Doug McDermott. “Our players have learned from previous tournaments, and we’ll be prepared for anything.”

Leading the Auburn roster is SEC Player of the Year Johni Broome, who averages 18.7 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. Auburn’s Chad Baker-Mazara provides additional support, averaging 12.4 points with critical plays on the court.

Creighton’s center Ryan Kalkbrenner, standing at 7 feet 1 inch, poses a significant threat, averaging 19.2 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. Guard Steven Ashworth leads the backcourt with averages of 16.5 points, 6.8 assists, and 4.1 rebounds.

According to the latest odds from SportsLine consensus, Auburn enters the game as a 9.5-point favorite, while the over/under on total points scored is set at 150.5. The SportsLine Projection Model, which simulates games 10,000 times, suggests a lean towards the over with an expected combined total of 154 points in this matchup.

Historical data indicates that both teams have had variable success against the spread; Creighton holds a record of 21-13-1 while Auburn is at 17-16-1 this season. With their strong track records, both teams aim to gain an edge in this critical playoff game.

“This is where NCAA legends are made,” added Pearl. “Our focus is on doing what we can to win this game.”

As Saturday approaches, both Auburn and Creighton will look to capitalize on their strengths and take the next step toward the coveted championship title.