Auburn’s NCAA Tournament Upset and Season Recap: A Tale of Triumph and Reflection

In a stunning upset at the NCAA Tournament held at Spokane Arena, the fourth-seeded Auburn Tigers fell short against the underdog 13th-seeded Yale Bulldogs, with a final score of 78-76. Despite a valiant effort, Auburn’s hopes of advancing were dashed when a potential game-winning 3-pointer at the buzzer missed its mark.

Reflecting on the game, Auburn coach Bruce Pearl gracefully acknowledged Yale’s impressive performance, stating, “Congratulate Yale on a great victory.” He lamented his team’s turnovers and acknowledged Yale’s ability to make crucial shots throughout the game.

In a nail-biting final minute, Auburn’s star player Johni Broome managed to narrow the gap to just one point with a pair of successful free throws. However, Yale maintained their composure, securing vital points from the free-throw line. Auburn’s attempts to level the score fell short, ultimately sealing Yale’s unexpected triumph.

Broome showcased his prowess with an outstanding performance, recording 24 points, 13 rebounds, and four assists. Coach Pearl praised Broome as a standout player who had carried the team throughout the season, earning recognition as an All-American.

Despite the disappointment, Auburn’s Denver Jones and Williams also made significant contributions, scoring 17 and 13 points respectively. However, Yale’s resilience, highlighted by John Poulakidas’ stellar 28-point display, proved too much for Auburn to overcome.

Yale’s coach, James Jones, hailed the victory as a historic moment for the program, emphasizing the caliber of the opponent they had defeated. Meanwhile, Auburn’s coach acknowledged the impact of a key ejection early in the game, which disrupted the team’s rhythm.

Looking ahead, Yale will face off against fifth-seeded San Diego State in the next round, with the winner earning a spot in the Sweet 16. Despite the disappointment, Auburn’s players expressed pride in their team’s accomplishments and camaraderie throughout the season.

Auburn’s journey in the tournament may have ended sooner than hoped, but Coach Pearl commended his team for a historic season, emphasizing their resilience and representation of the university with pride.

Auburn Basketball Season Recap Highlights

1. The all-time series between Auburn and Yale is now tied at 1-1, with Auburn winning the previous matchup on December 4, 2021, with a score of 86-64 at Neville Arena.
2. Auburn’s victory over Washington last season in Seattle makes them 1-1 in the state of Washington.
3. Auburn’s overall NCAA Tournament record is now 19-13, with a 7-5 record under head coach Bruce Pearl.
4. The 2023-24 season concludes with Auburn achieving a 27-8 overall record, marking the third-highest win total in program history.
5. Coach Pearl’s career NCAA Tournament record stands at 17-13, with an 8-5 mark coaching Auburn in the tournament.
6. Auburn maintains an impressive 11-1 all-time record in the Round of 64 but suffered their first opening-round loss in 11 consecutive games against Yale.
7. The Tigers made significant strides in free throw shooting, making 15-of-22 against Yale, ending the season with 609 made free throws, the second-highest in program history.
8. Auburn shot 50.9% from the field against Yale, marking the third time in program history they’ve made over 1,000 field goals in a season.
9. The team made 280 3-pointers on the season, ranking fifth in program history, with six of the top eight three-point season totals achieved in the last nine years.
10. Auburn recorded 258 steals on the season, tying for the 10th-most on the school’s single-season steals list.
11. Johni Broome’s outstanding performance included his 60th career double-double, with 24 points, 13 rebounds, and four assists against Yale. He ends the season with 26 consecutive games scoring in double figures.
12. Broome’s performance against Yale ranks among the top in program history in various categories, including points, rebounds, and free throw attempts.
13. Denver Jones contributed 17 points against Yale, closing the season with 51 three-pointers on 41.8% shooting from long range.
14. Jaylin Williams scored 13 points against Yale, marking his 64th career game in double figures and his 22nd of the season.
15. Dylan Cardwell recorded his 158th career blocked shot against Yale, ranking fifth most in program history.