Game Details:
- Date & Time: Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 2:50 p.m. ET
- Location: Rupp Arena, Lexington, Kentucky
- Broadcast: CBS
- Betting Odds:
- Point Spread: Auburn -31.5
- Moneyline: Auburn -50000 | Alabama State +4000
- Over/Under: 150.5 points
Auburn Tigers Overview (28-5, 15-3 SEC)
The Auburn Tigers secured a No. 2 seed after a dominant SEC season, finishing as regular-season champions. Auburn features one of the nation’s most potent offenses, averaging 83.8 points per game (11th nationally), while holding opponents to 69.6 points per game.
Key Player:
- Johni Broome (18.9 PPG, 3.1 APG, 51.3% FG): Auburn’s go-to scorer and playmaker, anchoring both offense and defense.
Team Stats:
- Assists Per Game: 16.5 (37th nationally)
- Rebounds Per Game: 37.1
Auburn Betting Trends:
- ATS Record: 18-15-0 (54.5%)
- Strong cover potential, especially against weaker competition.
Alabama State Hornets Overview (20-15, 12-6 SWAC)
Alabama State enters the tournament as SWAC champions. The Hornets average 73.3 points per game and allow 72.1 points per game, but struggle with efficiency and ball movement.
Key Players:
- Amarr Knox (14.4 PPG): Top scoring threat.
- CJ Hines (14.3 PPG, 42.5% FG): Reliable shooter, though inconsistent at times.
- TJ Madlock (2.6 APG): Runs the point but limited in creating offense.
Team Stats:
- Assists Per Game: 11.8 (303rd nationally)
- Rebounds Per Game: 35.6
Alabama State Betting Trends:
- ATS Record: 14-18-2 (43.8%)
- Historically struggles to cover large spreads.
Key Matchups to Watch:
- Johni Broome vs. Alabama State’s Frontcourt:
Broome’s size and skill advantage inside should dominate. - Pace Control:
Auburn will look to push the tempo early and overwhelm Alabama State. - Rebounding Battle:
Auburn’s size and rebounding edge (37.1 RPG vs. 35.6 RPG) could limit Alabama State’s second chances.
Betting Angles & Trends:
- Against the Spread (ATS):
- Auburn: 18-15-0 ATS (54.5%)
- Alabama State: 14-18-2 ATS (43.8%)
- Over/Under Trends:
- Auburn: Over in 20 of 33 games (60.6%)
- Alabama State: Over in 13 of 34 games (38.2%)
The total of 150.5 reflects Auburn’s ability to score in bunches.
Expert Predictions & Best Bets:
🔥 Best Bet: Auburn -31.5 (-110)
💰 Lean: Over 150.5 (-110)
🎯 Prop Bet: Johni Broome Over 20.5 points
Final Thoughts: Auburn Tigers vs. Alabama State Hornets Preview
Auburn’s athleticism, size, and offensive firepower should prove too much for Alabama State. Expect the Tigers to dominate inside, control the boards, and push the tempo. Alabama State’s lack of efficiency and ball movement makes it difficult to keep pace, though backdoor cover potential always exists in lopsided matchups.
