Where Auburn stands in latest ESPN Basketball Power Index rankings ahead of challenging week
Auburn Basketball snapped a two-game skid by crushing Georgia last Tuesday, 94-73 at Neville Arena. The Tigers then suffered a painful loss to one of the SEC’s best teams, Tennessee, on the road to close the week.
In the grand scheme, Auburn performed as well as expected given the slate. This week, however, will provide a more challenging test. Fresh off of visiting No. 5 Tennessee, Auburn will have to battle Texas A&M and Alabama this week, which are two of the conference’s best teams.
After last week’s 1-1 record, where does Auburn stack up with the rest of the country in the latest ESPN Basketball Power Index rankings?
The good news is, after blowing out Georgia and escaping Tennessee with a three-point loss, the BPI is forgiving towards the Tigers as they saw very limited movement in this week’s rankings.
Here’s a look at where Auburn sits in the latest ESPN BPI rankings ahead of a challenging slate of games against Texas A&M and Alabama.
Overall ranking: No. 26
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Despite posting a 1-1 record last week, Auburn remains No. 26 in the ESPN Basketball Power Index ranking. The Tigers begin the week with a 17-6 record, and are projected to finish the season with 21 victories according to the latest projections.
Strength of Record: No. 24
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Auburn also stays put at No. 24 in the strength of record category after defeating Georgia, and falling at Tennessee. Auburn’s strength of record is fourth-best in the SEC, behind Alabama, Tennessee, and Missouri
Quality Win/Loss: 4-4
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According to the latest data, Auburn holds a 4-4 record over teams deemed as “quality opponents”
Strength of Schedule: No. 47
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One of the categories that saw an increase was Auburn’s strength of schedule, which moves up three places from this time seven days ago. Auburn’s schedule is ranked ninth-toughest in the SEC.
Non-conference schedule rank: No. 43
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Auburn stays put at No. 43 in this week’s non-conference schedule rank as their out-of-conference foes continue to play well throughout the season.
NCAA Tournament seed projection: No. 8
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The latest Bracketology from Joe Lunardi has Auburn heading to the East Regional as the No. 8 seed. The projected pod features North Carolina, Rider, and No. 1 Houston facing off in Birmingham for the first two rounds.
SEC Rank: No. 5
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Auburn remains the No. 5 team in the SEC according to the ESPN BPI, trailing Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, and Kentucky.
Texas A&M rank: No. 28
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Auburn faces Tennessee on Tuesday at 6 p.m. CT on ESPN 2
Alabama rank: No. 3
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The much-anticipated first meeting of the season between Auburn and Alabama is slated for Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. CT at Neville Arena. ESPN will broadcast the game.
