Auburn, Alabama Enter 2025 NCAA Tournament as Top Contenders

As the 2025 NCAA Tournament unfolds, the top-seeded Auburn Tigers are gearing up for their matchup against Alabama State after a shaky finish to the season, losing three of their last four games. Meanwhile, the second-seeded Alabama Crimson Tide, looking to build on last year's Final Four appearance, will face Robert Morris, with expectations heightened despite a mixed ending to their regular season. Alabama's success hinges on its deep bench, which has been a significant asset, particularly with key players like Grant Nelson recovering from injury. Both teams are under pressure to perform well in March, with Auburn aiming to regain momentum and Alabama hoping to leverage its bench strength for a deep tournament run. The tournament officially begins Thursday, with both teams looking to make an impact early on. Auburn's head coach Bruce Pearl and Alabama's Nate Oats are focused on ensuring their teams are ready for the challenges ahead.