Despite a seemingly comfortable victory, Auburn's triumph over Alabama State left lingering questions about the team's readiness for deeper tournament challenges. While the Tigers managed to secure an 83-63 win, their coach and players admitted that the performance lacked the necessary intensity and focus required for a successful championship run.

The game saw Auburn displaying some promising moments, such as Miles Kelly tying a program record for three-pointers and Chaney Johnson contributing significantly after a dry spell. Additionally, the defense held Alabama State to subpar shooting percentages, while the Tigers capitalized on turnovers and dominated the offensive boards. However, beneath these positive statistics lay concerns about Auburn's internal struggles and inconsistent energy levels. The Hornets managed to narrow the gap to a single point before halftime, illustrating the vulnerabilities within Auburn's gameplay.

Moving forward, Auburn must address these issues if they hope to compete effectively against stronger opponents like Creighton. Coach Bruce Pearl emphasized the need for improvement by comparing this game unfavorably to last year’s loss to Yale, highlighting areas where his team fell short. With the opportunity of a lifetime ahead, players like Dylan Cardwell urged teammates to embrace sacrifice and elevate their effort to match the grandeur of the occasion. Success in the tournament will demand more than just talent—it will require unity, determination, and relentless drive from every member of the team.