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March Madness bubble winners, losers: Auburn not out of the woods yet
Auburn survives scare, while SMU and Cincinnati come up short in hopes to boost NCAA Tournament resumes
Mar. 11, 2026 at 10:03pm
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Auburn narrowly avoided an upset loss in the SEC tournament, keeping its March Madness hopes alive, while SMU and Cincinnati failed to secure key wins to boost their tournament resumes.
Why it matters
The NCAA Tournament bubble is highly competitive, and these results will have a major impact on which teams ultimately make the field of 68. Auburn’s survival and the disappointments for SMU and Cincinnati could reshape the projected bracket.
The details
Auburn trailed Mississippi State by 10 points in the first half of their SEC tournament opener but rallied in the second half to avoid the upset. The Tigers’ work is far from over, as they now face a crucial matchup with Tennessee that could significantly improve their tournament chances. Meanwhile, Cincinnati blew an 8-point lead late against UCF, losing in overtime and likely ending their tournament hopes, while SMU couldn’t capitalize on a chance to beat Louisville, leaving their fate uncertain heading into Selection Sunday.
- Auburn rallied in the second half on March 11, 2026 to avoid an upset loss.
- Cincinnati lost to UCF in overtime on March 11, 2026, likely ending their tournament hopes.
- SMU lost to Louisville on March 11, 2026, missing a chance to boost their tournament resume.
The players
Auburn
One of the most polarizing March Madness bubble teams, Auburn narrowly avoided an upset loss that would have likely ended their tournament hopes.
Cincinnati
The Bearcats were on a late-season push to make the NCAA Tournament, but a devastating collapse against UCF has likely ended their season.
SMU
The Mustangs were one of the last teams in the projected field, but their loss to Louisville leaves their tournament fate uncertain heading into Selection Sunday.
What’s next
Auburn must now beat Tennessee in the SEC tournament to significantly boost its NCAA Tournament chances, while SMU and Cincinnati will have to anxiously await Selection Sunday to see if they make the field.
The takeaway
The NCAA Tournament bubble remains highly competitive, with Auburn surviving a scare to keep its hopes alive, while SMU and Cincinnati came up short in key games that could have solidified their tournament resumes.
