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ESPN's Lunardi: Auburn 'No Longer Has Path' to NCAA Tournament
Tigers' loss to Tennessee in SEC Tournament quarterfinals ends their at-large bid hopes.
Mar. 12, 2026 at 10:06pm
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After Auburn's loss to Tennessee in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals, ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi says the Tigers "no longer have a path" to an at-large bid in the NCAA Tournament. Lunardi cited a "metrics gap" between Auburn and the last two teams currently in the field, Texas and SMU.
Why it matters
Auburn's loss to Tennessee dashed the Tigers' hopes of making the NCAA Tournament field, despite having some quality wins on their resume earlier in the season. This marks a disappointing end to Auburn's season, as they were once considered a bubble team with a chance to earn an at-large bid.
The details
Auburn had been in the NCAA Tournament conversation after beating Florida in Gainesville and taking down St. John's earlier in the season. However, their 17-16 overall record and loss to Tennessee in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals proved too much to overcome, according to Lunardi. The bracketologist said the "metrics gap" between Auburn and the last two teams in the field, Texas and SMU, was too large for the Tigers to make up.
- On Thursday morning, Auburn woke up feeling good about their NCAA Tournament chances.
- Auburn lost to Tennessee in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals on March 11, 2026.
- Lunardi spoke about Auburn's tournament hopes on Wednesday, March 10, 2026, saying they didn't even need to win their quarterfinal game.
The players
Joe Lunardi
ESPN bracketologist who analyzes NCAA Tournament bubble teams and projections.
Steven Pearl
Head coach of the Auburn Tigers men's basketball team.
What they’re saying
“Miami's loss and bid-thievery ruined the day for Auburn, even before the Tigers fell in the SEC Tournament to Tennessee. There is a metrics gap between the last two teams in the field (Texas and SMU) and Auburn, which may no longer have a path to moving up and into the bracket.”
— Joe Lunardi, ESPN Bracketologist (on3.com)
The takeaway
Auburn's loss to Tennessee in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals has likely ended their hopes of earning an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament, despite having some quality wins earlier in the season. The Tigers now face an uncertain future as they look to regroup and build towards next season.
