Auburn University recently found itself in a surprising position as the No. 1 seed in the NCAA basketball tournament, despite entering the event with some doubts due to recent performance. After a challenging end to the season, where they lost three out of their last four games, many expected the team to miss out on the top seed. Historically, no team has won a national championship after losing this many games right before the tournament.
Nonetheless, the Tigers will kick off their tournament journey against Alabama State, a team that recently pulled off an exciting win against St. Francis, clinching their spot with a last-second layup. Although Auburn’s recent struggles raised eyebrows, their potential to perform well remains, particularly as they aim to quell critics surrounding their selection.
In the South region of the bracket, several matchups promise excitement. The first game on Thursday features No. 8 Louisville against No. 9 Creighton. Louisville has experienced a stellar run since mid-December with a record of 21 wins and just two losses, although the competition level in the ACC has raised questions about their seeding. Creighton, on the other hand, boasts a formidable 7-foot-1 center in Ryan Kalkbrenner, presenting a significant challenge for the Cardinals.
Auburn, favored by a considerable margin, is expected to advance beyond Alabama State. The Hornets come into this matchup as underdogs and have yet to show the depth necessary to challenge a powerhouse like Auburn, particularly as they face a highly motivated team eager to prove their critics wrong.
Another intriguing game to watch is the No. 13 Yale facing off against No. 4 Texas A&M on Thursday evening. Yale has consistently grown stronger within the Ivy League, finishing the season with an impressive 16-1 record post-December. Although Texas A&M is known for its rebounding prowess, Yale’s strong defensive performance may prove pivotal in this contest.
The late-night game on Thursday showcases No. 5 Michigan taking on No. 12 UC San Diego. This matchup often serves as a breeding ground for upsets, with UC San Diego breaking out as a dangerous contender. However, Michigan boasts two towering players, which could give them an edge in what is anticipated to be a tightly contested game.
Moving into Friday, No. 14 Lipscomb will challenge No. 3 Iowa State. While Iowa State began the season with expectations of competing for a Final Four spot, injuries have affected their performance in recent weeks. Meanwhile, Lipscomb will rely on its sharp shooting to pull off a potential upset.
Later on Friday, No. 11 North Carolina faces off against No. 6 Ole Miss. Historically, First Four winners have a favorable track record in advancing past the first round. North Carolina, while gaining momentum after a strong victory in the play-in game, could leverage that energy against Ole Miss.
No. 7 Marquette will look to continue their quest as they face No. 10 New Mexico. Marquette’s star player, Kam Jones, brings exceptional skill to the floor, promising excitement for fans who enjoy high-paced games between talented guards.
Finally, No. 15 Bryant will go head-to-head with No. 2 Michigan State. Despite Michigan State’s formidable position following a strong season, Bryant emerges as an underdog with a bit of size. The Bulldogs may not pose a serious upset threat, but their presence in the tournament is certainly noteworthy.
As the first round unfolds at this year’s NCAA tournament, fans can expect thrilling moments and the potential for surprises. Each game offers its own storylines and opportunities, reminding us why March Madness captures the hearts of so many. The intense competition will set the stage for unforgettable finishes and potential Cinderella stories as teams vie for the ultimate prize in college basketball.
