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ESPN's Lunardi Gives Dire Outlook for Auburn Ahead of SEC Tournament
Tigers must win SEC Tournament opener against South Carolina to keep NCAA Tournament hopes alive.
Mar. 11, 2026 at 7:22pm
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ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi says Auburn's NCAA Tournament hopes are on the line as they enter the SEC Tournament. The Tigers, who finished the regular season 16-15 and 7-11 in SEC play, must win their opening game against South Carolina and then defeat Tennessee to have a chance at an at-large bid. Lunardi notes Auburn is on the bubble and could be the 'last team in' if they win their first game, but a loss would likely end their season.
Why it matters
Auburn's basketball program has high expectations, so missing the NCAA Tournament would be a major disappointment. The Tigers need a strong showing in the SEC Tournament to keep their postseason hopes alive and potentially earn an at-large bid to the Big Dance.
The details
Lunardi says Auburn's game against South Carolina is a 'do-or-die' situation, with the Tigers needing to win just to 'live to fight another day' against Tennessee. While Auburn has a big win over defending national champion Florida, they lack other quality Quadrant 1 victories that would bolster their resume. Lunardi explains the Tigers are currently on the NCAA Tournament bubble, and a loss in their opener could knock them out of contention entirely.
- The SEC Tournament begins on March 11, 2026.
The players
Joe Lunardi
ESPN's resident bracketologist who provides analysis and projections for the NCAA Tournament field.
Steven Pearl
Head coach of the Auburn Tigers men's basketball team.
What they’re saying
“It's a do-or-die game for Auburn, there's no other way around it. And it's not even a do-or-die to get the payoff today. It's to live to fight another day, tomorrow, against Tennessee if they're fortunate enough to advance.”
— Joe Lunardi, ESPN Bracketologist
“The bracket part is if Auburn wins today and Indiana loses tonight, Auburn could be our last team in tomorrow morning, still needing to beat Tennessee to stay in that spot. So this is the kind of game that can only hurt them. It can't really get them where they want to go.”
— Joe Lunardi, ESPN Bracketologist
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.
