Joe Lunardi insists Auburn is still an NCAA Tournament team despite Oklahoma loss
By Ethan Stone
Published:
Joe Lunardi still believes the Auburn Tigers are worthy of a spot in the NCAA Tournament, even despite Tuesday night’s loss at Oklahoma.
As mentioned, the Tigers dropped their worst loss of the season against the Sooners, letting Nijel Pack and Co. absolutely unleash from beyond the 3-point line on the way to a 91-79 win. Oklahoma shot a blistering 53% from the field and 68% from 3-point range to secure the victory.
Auburn now sits at 15-13 on the season with losses to Mississippi State and Oklahoma across the past 2 weeks alone. And despite the fact that Auburn was already on the bubble heading into Tuesday night’s game, Lunardi doesn’t seem to think last night’s loss would keep them from the Field of 68 if the season were to end today. While speaking on McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning, Lunardi had this to say regarding the Tigers’ tournament hopes.
“I have Auburn 41st on the seed list…that would make them an 11 seed, actually, the team just above the four slotted for Dayton as the First Four. So maybe not as damaging as some of the folks around Auburn thought.”
Of course, it’s worth noting that there is a lot of basketball to be played before Selection Sunday in mid-March. The Tigers have 3 regular season games remaining (LSU, Ole Miss and at Alabama), plus the SEC Tournament. As it currently stands, Kalshi gives Auburn a 39% chance to reach the Big Dance.
Ethan Stone is a Tennessee graduate and loves all things college football and college basketball. Firm believer in fouling while up 3.
