Alabama State Falls to Auburn, 83-63, in First-Round Matchup

Hornets Show Fight but Fall Short Against Top-Seeded Tigers

Alabama State’s tournament journey came to an end in a tough 83-63 loss to Auburn in the opening round. The SWAC champions entered the game as heavy underdogs but showed heart and resilience before ultimately succumbing to the top-seeded Tigers’ firepower.

Auburn’s Shooting Proves Too Much

Senior guard Miles Kelly was the star of the night, lighting up the scoreboard with 23 points, including eight three-pointers. His sharpshooting stretched Alabama State’s defense, making it difficult for the Hornets to gain control. Despite their efforts to close the gap, Alabama State struggled to slow down Auburn’s offensive rhythm.

Hornets’ Missed Opportunities

The Hornets had moments where they threatened to shift the momentum, especially in the first half when they were on the verge of taking the lead. However, missed free throws proved costly, allowing Auburn to seize control. The Tigers capitalized on Alabama State’s struggles by closing the first half on a decisive 9-0 run, effectively putting the game out of reach.

A Hard-Fought Effort

Alabama State played with passion and intensity, showcasing why they were SWAC champions. They fought until the final buzzer, but Auburn’s depth and experience proved too much to overcome. Despite the loss, the Hornets demonstrated the grit and determination that defines HBCU basketball on the national stage.

What’s Next for Auburn?

With this victory, Auburn moves on to face 9-seed Creighton in the second round. Creighton’s high-scoring offense, which powered them past Louisville, will present a new challenge for the Tigers. If Auburn hopes to advance further, they will need to bring their defensive prowess to counter Creighton’s sharpshooters.

Although Alabama State’s tournament run has come to an end, they leave with valuable experience and the pride of representing their conference on the big stage. The Hornets may be out of the tournament, but their performance showcased the growing strength and talent of HBCU basketball.