Crunch Time for Auburn Hoops: Six Games, One Shot at March
With just six games left in the regular season, Auburn basketball is staring down the barrel of a make-or-break stretch. Sitting at 5-7 in SEC play, the Tigers are on the outside looking in when it comes to the NCAA Tournament picture. The math isn’t complicated: they likely need at least three wins to stay in the at-large conversation, but four would make the Selection Committee’s job a lot tougher - and Auburn’s path a lot clearer.
The good news? Every game left on the schedule is winnable.
The bad news? Every one of them is losable too, especially if Keyshawn Hall remains sidelined.
His presence has been a difference-maker this season, and without him, the margin for error shrinks significantly.
This week’s slate is a big one. First up is a road test at Mississippi State on Wednesday - never an easy place to play - followed by a Saturday night showdown at home against Kentucky.
That’s a chance to build momentum, and more importantly, confidence. Down the stretch, that’s the currency that matters most.
The Tigers have shown flashes this season, but now it’s about consistency. A 4-2 finish would get them to 9-9 in conference play, and coupled with quality wins over Arkansas and Florida, that might just be enough to punch a ticket to March Madness. But anything less, and they’re rolling the dice on Selection Sunday.
Freshman Firepower on the Diamond
Auburn baseball’s youth movement continues to impress. Last year’s freshman class made waves, and while this year's group might not be as deep, the early returns are promising.
Ethin Bingaman is one to watch. A two-way player with a smooth glove at first base, he played two games on opening weekend and looked comfortable in the field.
The bat didn’t quite heat up yet, but coaches rave about his consistency at the plate during preseason. With Chris Rembert sidelined for a few weeks, Bingaman could also see time at second base - versatility that could prove invaluable.
Then there’s Mason McCraine, another two-way threat with serious pop in his bat. He nearly left the yard on Saturday and flashed the leather with a pair of standout plays in the outfield.
But the real highlight? A jaw-dropping throw from deep right field to third base - a one-hop laser that nearly nailed a tagging runner.
Head coach Butch Thompson didn’t mince words, calling it one of the best throws he’s ever seen.
On the mound, freshman right-hander LJ Cormier made his debut. He’s got the makeup of a gritty middle reliever and could evolve into a reliable Tuesday night starter. His pedigree checks out too - he’s the son of former MLB pitcher Lance Cormier, who crossed paths with Auburn assistant Gabe Gross during their pro days.
Softball Starts Hot, Heads West for a Big Test
The Auburn softball team is off to a roaring start, dominating their home tournament with five wins in three days. The Tigers outscored their opponents 57-12, racked up 28 extra-base hits, and looked every bit like a team ready to make noise this season.
Through 11 games, the Tigers are hitting a blistering .389 as a team and have already launched 17 home runs. Leading the charge is Destiny Rodriguez, who’s made an immediate impact since transferring from Tennessee.
With four homers and 17 RBIs already, Rodriguez brings big-game experience and serious power to the lineup. She’s started 93 games over three years in the SEC - that kind of pedigree is gold in a lineup.
She’s not doing it alone, either. AnnaLea Adams continues to be a steady force, and together, they’re anchoring a lineup that’s clicking early.
But now comes the real test. Auburn heads west for the Mary Nutter Classic in California - one of the premier tournaments in college softball.
The Tigers will face a gauntlet of elite programs, starting with Oregon and UCLA on Thursday, followed by BYU on Friday. Saturday brings matchups with Washington and Cal-State Fullerton, and they’ll close things out Sunday against Cal.
It’s a chance to prove that the hot start wasn’t just about home cooking - and that this team is built to contend on the national stage.
Bottom Line
Across the board, it’s a pivotal moment for Auburn athletics. Men’s basketball is fighting for its postseason life.
Baseball is getting an early glimpse at its next wave of talent. And softball is surging into a national spotlight.
February may be the shortest month on the calendar, but for the Tigers, it’s shaping up to be one of the most important.