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Statement weekend
No. 1 Auburn removed any doubt about it as the team to beat this season. But it wasn't the only program that delivered big wins over the weekend. Plus, we dive into the surprising upsets, the bracket reveal, Florida's big return, and much more.
Mike Miller
February 17, 2025
Good morning! You know it’s a good weekend when No. 1 vs. No. 2 delivers on the hype — but didn’t overshadow the rest of the slate.
Let’s dive in.
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1. Everyone’s chasing Auburn
This isn’t complicated. Auburn is No. 1, and it’s the team to beat next month.
That’s been true most of the season — the Tigers have been atop KenPom for all but one week since Nov. 27, and atop the AP poll since Jan. 13 — and was on full display in Saturday’s 94-85 win at No. 2 Alabama.
The Tigers (23-2, 11-1 in SEC) never trailed, and except for a 10-0 Bama run midway through the second half, was in full control of the game. It show 46.2% from the field, held Bama (21-4, 10-2) to just 38.6% shooting (including a miserable 19.2% from deep), and showed off its star power (Johni Broome had 19 points and 14 rebounds), depth (six players hit double-figures) and ability to control every part of the game.
It wasn’t about to let the Tide mimic Florida from last week when the Gators used 3s to open up things inside. This was about offense AND defense.
"Florida, they scored way too many points,” Broome said. “Our defense lacked a lot in that game. But, as you can see, when we play Auburn basketball, we're the only team that can beat us."
Auburn is now 14-2 in Quad 1 games (no other team has more than 8 Quad 1 wins) and leads in WAB, which is no surprise given the way they’ve manhandled their schedule thus far. The nation’s toughest slate, and the result is one of the most efficient offenses in KenPom’s history?
Duke might have more future pros, Houston might have a better defense, and Florida might have more perimeter scoring, but no team boasts a better overall package than Auburn. They’re going to be the overwhelming favorite to win it all in San Antonio, even with Cooper Flagg doing his thing.
2. Houston, Wisconsin, A&M & Tennessee show resolve
A little grit goes a long way this time of year. Especially when you’re chasing a conference title or a protected NCAA Tournament seed.
