Sport

Auburn Seals Top Seed in NCAA Tournament After Thrilling SEC Quarterfinal Win Against Ole Miss

2025-03-15

Author: Wai

In an exhilarating matchup that solidified their dominance, Auburn University defeated Ole Miss 62-57 in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals held in Nashville on Friday.

This victory catapults the Tigers to an impressive 28-4 overall record and a striking 16-4 mark in Quadrant 1 games, virtually guaranteeing their status as the No. 1 overall seed in the upcoming 2025 NCAA Tournament.

Auburn’s stellar performance has made them a powerhouse this season. With more than 12 Quadrant 1 wins and only four losses, they stand alone as the best team in college basketball in this regard.

They currently hold the top position in strength of record (SOR), Wins Above Bubble (WAB), and have maintained the No. 1 ranking in the CBS Sports Top 25 And 1 for an astounding 66 consecutive days.

Looking ahead, the SEC Tournament promises more intense action. The semifinals will see Auburn take on Tennessee, while Florida will face off against Alabama.

These matchups feature four teams ranked in the Top 25: Auburn at No. 1, Florida at No. 4, Tennessee at No. 6, and Alabama at No. 7.

Moreover, these teams boast an impressive average NET ranking of 4.25, suggesting that they could very well outperform the average net ranking of the teams that will reach the Final Four in San Antonio.

The race for No. 1 seeds in the NCAA Tournament remains heated. Auburn, alongside Duke and Houston, appear to be locks for the top seeds.

However, Florida, Tennessee, and Alabama are still very much in contention for the last available No. 1 seed.

If both Auburn and Florida win their semifinal games, they are likely to secure the top line.

Should the outcomes differ, Sunday's games could drastically alter the tournament landscape.

In a surprising turn, Purdue experienced a notable drop in the Top 25 And 1 rankings after their 86-68 defeat to Michigan.

Recent analysis revealed that Purdue’s resume was not up to par, prompting a reassessment that placed them around the 5-seed range.

With a concerning 3-6 record over their last nine games and now positioned behind Michigan—who holds a 2-1 record against them and boasts three additional Quadrant 1 wins—Purdue's ranking reflects their recent struggles.

As the tournament progresses, college basketball fans are eagerly anticipating how these rankings will shift and what surprises await as teams vie for the coveted championship.

Stay tuned for Sunday’s Selection Show airing at 6 p.m. ET on CBS, where the final brackets will be unveiled!