"Go make their own": No. 13 Auburn takes on Penn in the 24th NCAA Tournament
“Go make their own”: No. 13 Auburn takes on Penn in the 24th NCAA Tournament
As March Madness intensifies, the No. 13 Auburn Tigers are set to begin their quest for a national championship, opening the 2024 NCAA Tournament against the Penn Quakers in a first-round matchup. With the Tigers’ rich history of tournament appearances and a roster stacked with talent, expectations are high for Bruce Pearl’s squad. However, as the Tigers take the floor, their focus isn’t just on meeting those expectations—it’s on creating a new legacy. The message from Pearl to his players has been clear: “Go make your own history.”
A Legacy of Excellence
For Auburn, the NCAA Tournament is not uncharted territory. This marks the Tigers’ 24th appearance in the tournament, a feat that highlights their consistent presence in college basketball’s most prestigious event. The program’s history includes some incredible highs, including the unforgettable run to the Final Four in 2019. That year, Auburn stormed through the South Region, eventually falling to Virginia in the national semifinal in a heart-wrenching one-point loss. But the Tigers’ performance that year solidified their place among the elite programs in the country, and it is a benchmark that this current team hopes to surpass.
While the 2019 team remains a point of reference for the Auburn faithful, head coach Bruce Pearl insists that this year’s squad is focused on its own journey. “2019 was amazing, no doubt. But this team isn’t defined by that team,” Pearl said in a pre-tournament interview. “These players are creating their own identity. Every year is its own season, its own story. We have an opportunity to go out and write that story.”
That drive to create their own identity has been the fuel for the Tigers throughout the season, and it will be tested as they enter the tournament with high hopes and a target on their backs.
The Road to the Tournament
Auburn entered the NCAA Tournament as a No. 13 seed, having finished the regular season with an impressive 25-8 record. The Tigers’ road to the Big Dance was filled with challenges, but their performance in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) has given them the confidence to face any opponent, including Penn. With key victories against ranked teams and a strong finish to the season, Auburn secured its spot as one of the top teams in the country.
But Auburn’s success hasn’t been a one-man show. While standout players such as forward Jalen Williams and guard Tyrell Smith have garnered national attention for their stellar play, the team’s success can be attributed to the depth and balance throughout the roster. Auburn’s offense is explosive, with a balanced mix of inside scoring, three-point shooting, and fast-break opportunities. Meanwhile, the Tigers’ defense is a formidable force, ranking among the top in the nation in both points allowed and defensive efficiency.
The team’s versatility, with several players capable of stepping up at any moment, is one of their most significant strengths. Coach Pearl has emphasized the importance of unselfish play and team cohesion throughout the season, and it is that chemistry that has made Auburn a tough opponent for any team.
“We’ve got a lot of guys who can make plays, and that’s what you need to succeed in the tournament,” said Williams, the Tigers’ leading scorer. “It’s not about just one person carrying the load; it’s about everyone stepping up and playing their part. That’s how we’re going to win.”
Penn: A Dangerous First-Round Opponent
The Tigers’ first challenge in the tournament comes in the form of the Penn Quakers, an Ivy League powerhouse that has had a successful season in its own right. Penn (22-10) earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament by winning the Ivy League Tournament, and the Quakers will be eager to make their mark against a high-profile opponent like Auburn.
Despite being a No. 14 seed, Penn is not a team to be taken lightly. The Quakers have a storied history in college basketball, with a tradition of excellence that dates back to their Ivy League championships in the 1970s and 80s. This season, they have been led by senior guard Nathaniel Foster, who has averaged 17.3 points per game and is a proven scorer capable of carrying his team. The Quakers also boast a strong defensive unit that prides itself on forcing turnovers and limiting opponent scoring opportunities.
Auburn has faced tough, lower-seeded teams in the past, and Pearl knows that no opponent can be underestimated in the NCAA Tournament. “We’re not going to overlook anyone,” Pearl said in the lead-up to the Penn game. “We respect what they’ve accomplished this season. Penn’s a good team, and they’re going to come out ready to fight.”
In particular, Pearl highlighted Penn’s ability to slow down the game and control tempo, a potential challenge for Auburn’s high-octane style of play. “We need to dictate the pace,” Pearl explained. “If we let them slow it down, it could play into their hands. Our job is to get out in transition, push the tempo, and make it difficult for them to settle into a rhythm.”
While Auburn’s talent and athleticism are clear, they will need to execute their game plan to perfection against a disciplined and well-coached team like Penn.
Auburn’s Key Players
Auburn’s roster is filled with players capable of taking over a game at any moment, but there are a few key players who will need to step up if the Tigers are to make a deep run in the tournament.
Jalen Williams, the senior forward, is the Tigers’ leader and the player who will be called upon to carry the team when the stakes are highest. Williams, who has averaged 18.1 points and 8.5 rebounds per game this season, is an inside-outside threat who can score in a variety of ways. His versatility makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing teams, and he will be a key player in Auburn’s first-round clash with Penn.
“I’ve been through the ups and downs of college basketball,” Williams said in a post-game interview. “I know what it takes to win at this level. My job is to set the tone and make sure everyone is ready to go.”
Tyrell Smith, a dynamic guard who has been one of the most improved players for Auburn this season, has become an offensive spark plug. Smith’s ability to drive to the basket and create opportunities for his teammates has made him a crucial part of Auburn’s success. His ability to score in transition will be vital against a team like Penn, who is known for slowing the game down.
Dante Brown, the sophomore point guard, has been a revelation for Auburn this season. Brown’s court vision and ability to distribute the ball make him the engine that drives the Tigers’ offense. If Brown can keep the offense flowing and avoid turnovers, Auburn’s chances of advancing will be significantly boosted.
Finally, Zachary Davis, the Tigers’ defensive stopper, will play a crucial role in limiting Penn’s scoring options. Davis has been tasked with guarding opposing teams’ top scorers all season, and his lockdown defense will be critical in neutralizing Nathaniel Foster and the Quakers’ perimeter game.
The Tournament Mindset
As the Tigers prepare for their first game in the tournament, the mindset within the locker room is one of focus and determination. Auburn has the talent to make a deep run, but they know that success in the NCAA Tournament requires more than just individual skill—it requires resilience, teamwork, and an unwavering commitment to the process.
For Coach Pearl, it’s all about the little things. “We need to stay locked in on defense, communicate, and take care of the ball,” he said. “We’ve talked all year about building a championship mentality. Now, it’s time to show it.”
And for the players, it’s about embracing the moment. “This is what we’ve worked for all season,” said Williams. “We’re not just happy to be here. We want to go out and make a statement. We’re ready to go make our own history.”
The Road Ahead
If Auburn can take care of business against Penn in the first round, the Tigers will have the opportunity to advance and continue their journey toward the Final Four. However, Pearl and his team know that every game in the NCAA Tournament is a battle, and the margin for error is razor-thin.
