Sat Mar 08 20:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Auburn Tigers poised for historic NCAA Tournament run, echoing 1999 success

**Auburn, AL –** Auburn University’s men’s basketball team is on the verge of making history, mirroring the success of its 1998-99 squad that secured a No. 1 NCAA Tournament seed. This year’s Tigers are not only poised to claim their second ever No. 1 seed but also aiming for a deeper March Madness run.

Coach Bruce Pearl’s team has already clinched the SEC regular-season championship outright, a feat only matched by Cliff Ellis’ 1999 team. A win against Alabama would set new program records for regular-season (28) and SEC wins (16). Johni Broome is expected to be named SEC Player of the Year, and Pearl is a strong contender for SEC Coach of the Year.

The current team’s success stems from a strong team dynamic, echoing the brotherhood and competitive spirit of the 1998-99 team, according to former players and coaches. Both teams display a relentless will to win, often excelling on defense.

While the 1999 team’s run ended in the Sweet Sixteen, this year’s Tigers are considered strong contenders to reach the Final Four. However, both Ellis and Pearl emphasize the importance of consistent performance and acknowledging that even the most talented teams need some luck in the tournament. The team’s focus remains on continuous improvement and making the most of their opportunity.

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