Auburn Tigers Defeat Mississippi State in NCAA Tournament

Auburn avenges earlier loss with 79-61 victory in first round of March Madness

Mar. 12, 2026 at 12:40am

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The Auburn Tigers defeated the Mississippi State Bulldogs 79-61 in the first round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. This victory marks a redemption for Auburn, who had previously lost to Mississippi State earlier in the season. The Tigers were able to turn the game around in the second half, pulling away for a decisive win.

Why it matters

This win is a significant accomplishment for the Auburn Tigers, who are looking to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. The team was able to avenge an earlier loss to their SEC rival Mississippi State, demonstrating their ability to make adjustments and perform well under pressure in the high-stakes tournament setting.

The details

Auburn trailed Mississippi State 34-31 at halftime, but the Tigers came out strong in the second half, outscoring the Bulldogs 48-27 to secure the 79-61 victory. The Tigers were led by strong performances from their starting lineup, with several players scoring in double figures.

  • The game was played on March 12, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee as part of the first round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.

The players

Auburn Tigers

The Auburn University men's basketball team, competing in the NCAA Tournament.

Mississippi State Bulldogs

The Mississippi State University men's basketball team, who lost to Auburn in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

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What’s next

Auburn will advance to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, where they will face the winner of the game between Gonzaga and UCLA.

The takeaway

Auburn's ability to bounce back from an earlier loss to Mississippi State and secure a decisive victory in the NCAA Tournament first round demonstrates the team's resilience and potential to make a deep run in the tournament.