Auburn Basketball's NCAA Tournament Chances Drop After 5 Straight Losses in February 2026

Auburn basketball has now lost 5 games in a row, a streak that started in early February 2026. This is a big change from their earlier performance.
By Newsroom | Sports, Basketball |

Auburn University's men's basketball team is facing a precarious situation regarding its potential qualification for the NCAA Tournament. A recent string of defeats has placed the Tigers on the "bubble watch" list, a term used for teams whose tournament eligibility is uncertain. With only two weeks remaining in the regular season, the team's prospects appear to be diminishing.

Current Standing and Recent Performance

Auburn has experienced a significant downturn in its performance, marked by a streak of five consecutive losses. This losing run has directly impacted its standing in various tournament projections.

Men's Bubble Watch: Auburn's fortunes continue to slide after another loss - 1

  • The Tigers' most recent defeat was a 91-85 loss to Mississippi State on Wednesday.

  • This loss followed previous defeats, contributing to a February where the team has yet to secure a victory.

  • Prior to the Mississippi State game, Auburn was projected as a No. 9 seed in ESPN's Bracketology and a No. 10 seed in USA TODAY's Bracketology.

Key Factors Influencing Tournament Bid

Several elements are being considered by analysts and bracketologists when evaluating Auburn's tournament chances.

Strength of Schedule and Quality Wins

Despite the recent losses, Auburn possesses certain resume strengths that could be advantageous if they manage to win upcoming games.

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  • Auburn has secured four Quadrant 1 wins, including two classified as Quadrant 1A. These are considered the most impactful wins in NCAA evaluation criteria.

  • The team's strength of schedule ranks among the nation's top four according to the BPI (Basketball Power Index). This challenging schedule could bolster their case.

  • However, the BPI also projects that Auburn might not reach 18 total wins, a mark often seen as a benchmark for at-large tournament bids.

Upcoming Schedule

The remaining games on Auburn's schedule are critical for their tournament aspirations.

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  • Upcoming matchups include games against strong opponents such as Kentucky, Oklahoma, and Alabama.

  • A win in these notable contests could significantly improve Auburn's resume.

Contrasting Views on Auburn's Tournament Status

Analysis from sports outlets highlights differing perspectives on the severity of Auburn's situation and its potential for tournament inclusion.

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The Bleak Outlook

ESPN has officially placed Auburn on its "bubble watch" list, indicating a decline in their projected tournament status.

  • The repeated losses, particularly to Mississippi State, are seen as damaging to their chances.

  • One analysis suggests that teams with similar records and schedule strength often receive at-large bids, but the BPI's win projection raises concerns.

Lingering Possibilities

Despite the losing streak, Auburn has not been entirely eliminated from NCAA Tournament consideration.

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  • The team's record currently stands at 14 wins and 11 losses, with a 5-7 record in SEC play.

  • The committee's evaluation might weigh Auburn's strength of schedule against their win-loss record, creating a unique scenario.

Expert Commentary and Data

Analysts are closely monitoring Auburn's trajectory as the regular season concludes.

  • ESPN's Joe Lunardi previously had Auburn as a No. 9 seed before the recent slide.

  • The team's resilience will be tested in upcoming games against formidable SEC opponents.

Conclusion and Implications

Auburn's recent performance has placed them in a vulnerable position regarding NCAA Tournament selection. The team must now demonstrate an ability to win against challenging opponents in the final weeks of the season.

  • The five consecutive losses represent a significant hurdle.

  • The strength of their schedule and quality wins offer a potential pathway, but this will likely require an immediate turnaround.

  • The ultimate decision will depend on how the NCAA Tournament selection committee balances Auburn's difficult schedule against their recent results and overall record.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are Auburn basketball's chances for the NCAA Tournament getting smaller?
Auburn basketball has lost five games in a row in February 2026. This makes it harder for them to be chosen for the NCAA Tournament.
Q: What was Auburn's most recent game result?
On Wednesday, February 19, 2026, Auburn lost to Mississippi State with a score of 91-85. This was their fifth loss in a row.
Q: What did experts think about Auburn's chances before the losing streak?
Before losing five games, experts like ESPN thought Auburn might be a No. 9 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Now, they are on the 'bubble watch' list, meaning their spot is not sure.
Q: What makes Auburn's situation difficult for the NCAA Tournament?
Auburn has lost five games straight. Even though they played tough teams (strong schedule) and had some good wins earlier, the recent losses hurt their chances. They need to win upcoming games against strong teams like Kentucky and Alabama.
Q: What is Auburn's current record in the 2025-2026 season?
As of February 19, 2026, Auburn's record is 14 wins and 11 losses. They have won 5 games and lost 7 games in their conference (SEC) play.