Sun Mar 23 00:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Auburn’s Cardwell Sounds Alarm After Lackluster Tournament Win
**AUBURN, AL —** Despite a comfortable 20-point victory over Alabama State in their opening NCAA Tournament game, Auburn Tigers center Dylan Cardwell isn’t celebrating. Cardwell, along with several coaches and teammates, expressed serious concerns about the team’s lackluster performance, particularly their low energy levels. The Tigers allowed a 16-4 run in the first half, nearly letting a 16-seed team close the gap before halftime.
Following a film session, Cardwell delivered a blunt assessment to his teammates, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. “If we lose tomorrow, our season’s over,” he stated. While acknowledging the somewhat humorous nature of his motivational tactic, Cardwell highlighted the stakes: “If we win, we keep having free breakfasts at the hotel. If we lose, we won’t have free breakfast from here on out, we’re going into the real world.” The message, he clarified, was about the team’s commitment and the potential end of their season and shared time together.
Cardwell, in his fifth and final season at Auburn, seeks to avoid repeating the disappointment of last year’s early tournament exit. Head coach Bruce Pearl echoed these concerns, stating unequivocally, “We won’t beat Creighton playing the way we played tonight.” The Tigers face Creighton in their next game and understand that a significant improvement in performance is crucial to advance further in the tournament.
First Piper 