Auburn is getting ready to start their 2024 run in the NCAA Tournament and this could be their best chance since their last big run back in 2019 where they made it to the Final Four for the first time in program history. Bruce Pearl's team is averaging over 80 points a game this season and allows just 68 points per game to opponents.
This team is riding high on a six-game winning streak and one of those wins was in the SEC Championship. The Tigers played a tough physical game against the Gators, never allowing them to get something going.
The Tigers made their appearance in the top 25 just after the first of the year and have climbed their way up ever since. They are now in the top ten and just one spot behind Tennessee, the top team in the SEC.
This matchup against Yale today should be an easy one for Auburn, but they should never look past an opponent, especially in the NCAA Tournament.
How to watch Auburn vs. Yale in the NCAA Tournament Round 1
Date: Friday, March 22
Time: 4:15 p.m. ET
Channel: TNT
Streaming: NCAA March Madness Live I fuboTV
Announcers: Lisa Byington, Steve Smith, Robbie Hummel, and Lauren Shehadi
Auburn vs. Yale NCAA Tournament Round 1 odds
Auburn comes into this matchup as a heavy favorite over the Ivy League Champion Yale. This is no surprise as Auburn is coming in hot after their win over Florida in the SEC Championship. Taking Auburn in this one is a smart choice as they have never lost a first-round game in the NCAA Tournament.
With the defense that Auburn plays, I don't expect Yale to score a lot, somewhere in the 60s, but I think the Tiger's offense is going to do well in this first game. I would take the under in this one though because of Auburn's defense and their ability to keep their opponents at bay.
Auburn vs. Yale NCAA Tournament Round 1 prediction
I think this is an easy game to predict, I am taking Auburn in this one all the way. This team is just too hot right now and they are looking to burn anyone in thier way. I also look at the fact that Yale needed a buzzer-beater to beat Brown in the Ivy League Championship to make it to the NCAA Tournament.
I think this game will be a good game for Auburn to get their feet under them in the NCAA Tournament. I do not want to say they need to already start looking ahead because they could get them in trouble, they need to still focus and give Yale the attention they deserve. However, I am still taking Auburn in this one, they should be able to cruise past Yale and then get ready for who they will face next.