Bracketology 2023: Duke, Auburn, Texas, UCLA among biggest winners

Bracketology 2023: Duke, Auburn, Texas and UCLA among biggest winners

CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 04: Kyle Filipowski #30 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts after making a three-point basket during the second half of the game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at the Dean E. Smith Center on March 04, 2023 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Duke won 62-57. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

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Bracketology Auburn Tigers guard Wendell Green Jr. John Reed-USA TODAY Sports /

Auburn Tigers

Around a month ago, the Tigers were around the 6/7 seed range and safely in the NCAA Tournament picture. But even then, their resume was fairly soft, built on good metrics, and had a nice win/loss record. Things have gone south for them as of late, having gone 3-8, which included a loss to Auburn in the Big 12/SEC Challenge.

Earlier this week, Auburn had a chance to get off the bubble completely, with a road game at Alabama. It was a game they shockingly were in control of for the most part, up by 10 points with six minutes left. But a late collapse by them allowed the Crimson Tide to not only come back but eventually win it in overtime, 90-85.

It was a devastating loss for the Tigers but they did have one more big game in the week, taking on Tennessee at home. The Vols, who are now without starting guard Zakai Zeigler, has also been struggling and it was the perfect time for them to take advantage. And that’s what Auburn did, getting the 79-70 win to effectively clinch its NCAA Tournament ticket. Wendell Green had 24 points to lead all scorers in the win.

It’s the kind of signature win that Auburn needed to go with its nice resume. The 3-9 record against Quad 1 opponents is the only real blemish but no true bad losses and seven Quad 2 victories have them in good shape heading into the final week.

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