Is Auburn in March Madness? latest NCAA Tournament projection for Tigers

Auburn Tigers player Keshawn Murphy celebrates with teammate during SEC Tournament

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Matthew Couden

By Matthew Couden

Contributing Writer

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The Auburn Tigers are among the most discussed college basketball teams when it comes to the upcoming NCAA Tournament.

This season hasn't been the best for Steven Pearl's squad in the SEC, as they've gone just 7-11 in the conference, and are only two games over .500 overall. Still, they've remained in the discussion for a spot in the March Madness bracket, and several wins are helping that conversation continue.

Auburn had notable wins this past season against Arkansas, St. John’s, and Florida. Of those teams, Florida is projected among the No. 1 seeds in the NCAA Tournament.

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On Wednesday, Auburn kept its hopes of a tournament slot alive, defeating Mississippi State in the SEC Tournament. On Thursday, they would continue to try to make their case, as they had an afternoon showdown with Tennessee.

Auburn Tigers player Keshawn Murphy celebrates with teammate during SEC Tournament

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That particular game carries some extra significance for the Tigers to get into the Big Dance. According to an update from ESPN's Bracketology expert Joe Lunardi, a major upset could have seriously affected Auburn on Thursday.

Before the undefeated Miami Ohio Redhawks took on the UMass Minutemen on Thursday morning, Lunardi indicated that Auburn should be rooting for the Redhawks to win. In addition, he said Auburn needed to root for Saint Louis to win in their conference tournament.

Unfortunately, Miami Ohio suffered its first loss of the season, as UMass achieved an 87-82 upset over the previously undefeated squad. Lunardi indicated that now Miami Ohio, is still in his projection as an at-large, with Auburn out. He said the Redhawks will keep an eye on the result for Auburn's game Thursday afternoon, though.

That said, it's possible that Auburn could achieve what may seem unimaginable: win several more games to claim the SEC Tournament Championship and an automatic entry into the NCAA Tournament.

Steven Pearl is the son of Auburn coaching legend Bruce Pearl, who now works as part of the March Madness crew for college basketball. Some fans believe that Pearl might be critical of the selection committee if Auburn is snubbed, but a lot depends on how the remaining conference tournament games play out.

The No. 12 seed Tigers are currently 5.5-point underdogs against No. 5 seed Tennessee, with their game tipping off at approximately 3 p.m. Eastern Time. A loss might end their hopes of making the Big Dance, but there's also the potential for a National Invitational Tournament (NIT) spot to prove themselves.