Auburn's prospects for the NCAA tournament are intriguing, transcending their current 15-13 record. Despite a 6-9 mark in the SEC, the Tigers' challenging schedule has kept them in the mix. This year's weak "bubble" further bolsters their chances.
Auburn's played an impressive 16 Quad 1 games, more than any other team. Facing off against powerhouses like Michigan, Arizona, and Purdue in nonconference play has been a strategic move, yielding some crucial wins. However, their inconsistency has been a source of frustration for fans.
As we look at Auburn's competition for the final at-large spots, we'll focus on 10 teams projected as 10- and 11-seeds by Bracket Matrix. Some of these teams, like Miami-Ohio, New Mexico, and Santa Clara, are favorites to win their conference tournaments and secure automatic bids. However, if they stumble, it could shake up the field.
Interestingly, Auburn might benefit if teams like Santa Clara, with as many Quad 4 losses as Quad 1 wins, struggle to secure an at-large bid over the Tigers.
The key criteria in this assessment will include: