ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi says that Auburn no longer has a realistic path to the NCAA Tournament after its loss to Tennessee Volunteers in the SEC Tournament.
According to Lunardi’s latest bracketology update, Auburn has fallen completely out of the projected NCAA Tournament field following the defeat. The Tigers are now placed at the top of the “First Four Out” group, meaning several teams would need to collapse for Auburn to move back into the bracket.
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Lunardi explained that the numbers simply do not favor Auburn anymore. There is currently a clear metrics gap between the final teams in the field and Auburn, which makes a late jump extremely unlikely.
The situation worsened after Auburn’s 72–62 loss to Tennessee in the SEC Tournament. The Volunteers erased a deficit with a massive 20–0 run in the second half, turning the game around and eliminating the Tigers.
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Following that defeat, Auburn dropped to 17–16 overall, a record that makes an at-large NCAA Tournament bid very difficult. Their résumé also includes a poor mark in Quad 1 games, another factor the selection committee weighs heavily.
Earlier in the week there was still a narrow scenario where Auburn could sneak into the field. However, Lunardi now believes the path has closed. In his words, the Tigers “no longer have a path” to climb into the tournament bracket.
With Selection Sunday approaching, Auburn will now likely miss the 68-team field unless extraordinary results occur elsewhere. For now, Lunardi’s projection places them outside the tournament picture entirely.
