ESPN's Joe Lunardi says Auburn is firmly out of NCAA Tournament after Tennessee loss

Auburn’s NCAA Tournament hopes took a major hit Thursday after ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi said the Tigers no longer have a path into the field of 68. 

In Lunardi’s latest projections, Auburn sits at the top of the “First Four Out” category following its loss to Tennessee in the SEC Men's Basketball Tournament in Nashville. This was the worst outcome possible. 

The Tigers entered the day believing their postseason fate was still within reach. But now a combination of results around the country and their own defeat appears to have closed the door.

“Miami’s loss and bid-thievery ruined the day for Auburn, even before the Tigers fell in the SEC Tournament to Tennessee,” Lunardi said. “There is a metrics gap between the last two teams in the field and Auburn, which may no longer have a path to moving up and into the bracket.”

The unexpected loss by Miami (OH) to UMass in the opening round of the Mid-American Conference tournament complicated the bubble picture. The result increased the chances of a bid stealer emerging from the conference tournament.

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Meanwhile, Lunardi projects Texas and SMU safely ahead of Auburn on the bubble.

Despite a challenging schedule and notable wins over Florida and St. John's, Auburn’s 17-16 record may ultimately prove too much to overcome.

With Selection Sunday approaching, the Tigers now appear likely to miss the NCAA Tournament unless unexpected results dramatically shake up the bracket.

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