Following a tough weekend loss to rival Alabama, the Auburn Tigers find themselves at the center of Selection Sunday debates. Previously ranked No. 1 in the AP Poll, Auburn dropped to No. 3 after the defeat, with Duke and Houston leapfrogging ahead. However, college basketball legend Dick Vitale believes Auburn should still earn the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Vitale took to social media to voice his support for Bruce Pearl’s squad, citing Auburn’s strength of schedule and dominance in the highly competitive SEC. “The SEC has been unreal this year, baby,” Vitale tweeted. “With 15 Quad 1 wins, Auburn has the résumé to back it up. The Selection Committee has to reward that!”
The Tigers’ drop in the rankings comes as the ACC and Duke face criticism for playing a softer schedule. While Duke’s record of 28-3 is impressive, Vitale argues that Auburn’s accomplishments in the SEC, widely regarded as the toughest conference in college basketball this season, should carry more weight.
The Tigers will have a chance to make their case in the SEC Tournament, where they’ll face stiff competition. The conference boasts six AP-ranked teams, including Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, Texas A&M, and Missouri. Auburn’s star player, Johni Broome, will look to lead the charge as the Tigers aim for both an SEC title and a deep NCAA Tournament run.
Vitale’s comments come in the wake of controversy from the Tigers’ loss to Alabama, where Chad Baker-Mazara’s questionable elbow sparked heated debate. While some are calling for disciplinary action against Baker-Mazara, Auburn’s focus remains on moving forward and proving themselves on the court.
Despite their recent setback, the Tigers are still well-positioned for postseason success. A strong showing in Nashville could solidify their case for a top seed and regain momentum heading into March Madness.
Will the NCAA Selection Committee heed Vitale’s advice and reward Auburn’s grueling SEC campaign with the No. 1 overall seed? It’s uncertain, but one thing is clear: the Tigers remain a dangerous contender for the national title, and they’ll have every opportunity to prove it in the weeks ahead.
Vitale’s message is clear: “Don’t rob the Tigers, baby!” And plenty of fans are echoing that sentiment as Selection Sunday looms.
