Struggling Auburn's NCAA Tournament bid odds already long, at-large hopes would likely end with loss vs. LSU
CBS Sports
by
Matt Severance
March 3, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Auburn’s chances of making the NCAA Tournament are on thin ice after a shaky season under first-year coach Stephen Pearl, with their hopes likely fading if they lose to LSU in a crucial SEC matchup. The Tigers, who have made four straight NCAA appearances and reached the Final Four last year under former coach Bruce Pearl, now find themselves on the wrong side of the bubble. A home loss to LSU on Tuesday would likely end their at-large chances, according to experts. Auburn currently sits at 15-14 overall and has struggled in conference play, dropping seven out of eight games. Their recent performance, including a disappointing loss to Ole Miss, has raised concerns about their ability to secure a tournament spot.
LSU, despite sitting at 15-14 overall and a dismal 3-13 in the SEC, remains a formidable opponent for Auburn. The Tigers have managed only three wins in conference play, two of which came in overtime on the road against South Carolina and Ole Miss. Leading scorer Max Mackinnon has been a standout player for LSU, averaging 17.8 points in SEC games and shooting 40.4% from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, Auburn’s defense has struggled, particularly in the paint, as evidenced by their recent loss to Ole Miss where they were outscored despite missing key players like KeShawn Murphy, who was sidelined for disciplinary reasons.
Auburn’s NET ranking sits at 38 and could improve or decline based on Tuesday’s outcome. While they have a tough schedule and five Quad 1 wins under their belt, their inconsistent performance in conference play has hurt
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 3/3/2026