Kristian Ferrell
The Auburn Tigers men's basketball team has reached the Final Four twice, in 2019 and 2025. The Tigers are the only team out of the 2019 and 2025 Final Four teams to have never played in the national championship game. They are also one of two teams in the 2025 Final Four to have never won a national championship. Auburn's head coach, Bruce Pearl, is the winningest coach in Auburn basketball history.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Final Four Appearances | 2 |
| First Final Four Appearance | 2019 |
| Latest Final Four Appearance | 2025 |
| Number of National Championship Game Appearances | 0 |
| Number of National Championships | 0 |
| Head Coach | Bruce Pearl |
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What You'll Learn
Auburn Tigers men's basketball team reached the Final Four in 2019 and 2025
The Auburn Tigers men's basketball team has reached the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament twice, in 2019 and 2025.
2019 Final Four Appearance
In 2019, Auburn won its third SEC regular season championship and second SEC tournament championship under head coach Bruce Pearl, who took over in 2014. That year, Auburn made its first-ever Final Four appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Auburn lost to the eventual champion, the Virginia Cavaliers, by one point.
2025 Final Four Appearance
In 2025, Pearl led Auburn to another SEC regular season championship, his third, and an SEC Tournament championship, his second. This was followed by the Tigers' second Final Four appearance in the NCAA Tournament. They became the fourth team to reach San Antonio, Texas, after defeating Michigan State to win the South Regional.
Auburn is the only team among the 2025 Final Four participants to have never played in the national championship game. They are also seeking their first-ever national championship game appearance.
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They lost to Virginia in 2019
The Auburn Tigers men's basketball team has reached the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament twice, in 2019 and 2025. However, in 2019, they suffered a devastating loss to the University of Virginia Cavaliers, losing 63-62. With 9.4 seconds left in the game, the Tigers were up by four points, and their win probability was at 93%. However, in the final 0.6 seconds, Virginia guard Kyle Guy made a corner three-pointer, and Auburn's Samir Doughty was called for a shooting foul. Guy made all three free throws, and Auburn's win probability plummeted to 2.4%. This loss prevented Auburn from advancing to its first-ever national championship game.
The 2018-19 Auburn Tigers team had a successful season, finishing with a record of 30-10. They started the season strongly, with a 13-3 record, including notable wins against ranked opponents. However, they hit a rough patch in mid-January, losing three straight games to SEC opponents. They recovered in February and carried that momentum into the SEC tournament, where they won four consecutive games. Their strong performance continued into the NCAA Tournament, where they reached the Final Four for the first time in program history.
Auburn's 2019 NCAA Tournament run included several impressive wins. They defeated Alabama State in the opening round and then overcame potential upsets by Creighton and Michigan. In the Elite Eight, they faced the second-seeded Michigan State Spartans and emerged victorious, booking their spot in the Final Four. Despite ultimately falling short against Virginia, Auburn's deep tournament run showcased the team's resilience and talent.
Head coach Bruce Pearl, who took over in 2014, has been a pivotal figure in Auburn's recent basketball success. Under his guidance, the Tigers have won multiple SEC regular season and tournament championships. Pearl's strategic acumen and leadership have played a significant role in the team's achievements, including their historic 2019 Final Four appearance. Pearl's impact extends beyond the court, as he has helped elevate the profile of Auburn's basketball program, establishing it as a force to be reckoned with in the highly competitive world of college basketball.
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In 2025, they were defeated by Florida
The Auburn Tigers men's basketball team has reached the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament twice, in 2019 and 2025. In 2025, they were defeated by the Florida Gators 79-73 in the national semifinals. This was Florida's sixth trip to the Final Four in the program's history.
The Gators were led by Walter Clayton Jr., who scored 30 points against Texas Tech in the final 5:24, including two late three-pointers. Clayton's ability to make critical shots without showing nerves or fear has drawn comparisons to Steph Curry. However, Clayton himself played down the comparison, acknowledging Curry as one of the greatest point guards in the history of basketball.
Auburn's loss to Florida in 2025 marked the second time the Tigers had fallen short of reaching the national championship game. In 2019, they suffered a devastating loss to the Virginia Cavaliers in the Final Four, despite being up by four points with 9.4 seconds left in the game.
Auburn's appearance in the 2025 Final Four was a testament to the team's strong season. They were the top overall seed in the tournament and defeated Alabama State in the opening round, fending off potential upsets from Creighton and Michigan. Their victory over Michigan State in the South Regional secured their place in the Final Four.
Despite falling short in 2025, the Auburn Tigers have continued to demonstrate their prowess on the court, with a talented roster and the guidance of head coach Bruce Pearl.
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Bruce Pearl has been Auburn's head coach since 2014
Bruce Pearl has been the head coach of the Auburn Tigers men's basketball team since 2014. In his time at Auburn, Pearl has won three Southeastern Conference (SEC) regular season championships and two SEC tournament championships. Pearl's Auburn teams have appeared in the NCAA tournament 14 times, reaching the Final Four in 2019 and 2025.
Pearl's first head coaching role was with Southern Indiana, where he won a Division II national championship in 1995. He then moved on to coach Milwaukee and Tennessee before arriving at Auburn. Pearl's teams have won six conference regular season championships and four conference tournament championships across his career. He has made 11 NCAA tournament appearances and reached two Final Fours.
Pearl's first season at Auburn was in 2014-15, and he has since produced one of the biggest turnarounds in college basketball. Before his arrival, Auburn had an average RPI of 191.8. In the past five seasons, the Tigers have finished their campaigns with rankings of 16th, 13th, 27th, 11th, and 5th. Pearl has also had success off the court, with 40 Auburn players graduating since 2014, the most in the SEC.
The 2018-19 season was arguably the greatest in Auburn basketball history. The Tigers won 30 games for the first time ever and became the first team from Alabama to reach the Final Four. During this historic run, Auburn became the second team ever to defeat the three winningest programs in college basketball history—Kansas, North Carolina, and Kentucky—in the same season. Pearl led the 2017-18 team to its best record since 1999, winning the SEC regular season championship.
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Auburn has appeared in the NCAA tournament 14 times
Auburn Tigers men's basketball team has a rich history of competing in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The team has appeared in the NCAA tournament 14 times, a testament to their consistent performance and dedication to the sport.
The Tigers' first appearance in the NCAA tournament set a precedent for their future success. Under the guidance of their coach, they navigated through challenging opponents and demonstrated their resilience and determination. The team's performance in the tournament attracted attention and established them as a force to be reckoned with in college basketball.
One of the most memorable moments in Auburn's NCAA tournament history was their remarkable run in 2019. Led by their talented players and strategic coaching staff, the Tigers showcased their skills and teamwork, advancing through the rounds and securing their spot in the Final Four for the first time. This achievement solidified their place among the elite college basketball teams in the nation.
The 2025 NCAA tournament further highlighted the Tigers' prowess and consistency. Once again, they proved their mettle, battling against formidable opponents and securing their second Final Four appearance. The team's performance in this tournament demonstrated their ability to consistently perform at the highest level and compete with the best teams in the country.
Auburn's 14 appearances in the NCAA tournament showcase a program built on a foundation of excellence and a commitment to continuous improvement. The team's success has been driven by talented players, dedicated coaches, and a passionate fan base. With each appearance, the Tigers have not only represented their university proudly but have also inspired future generations of athletes and basketball enthusiasts.
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Frequently asked questions
Auburn has made it to the Final Four twice, in 2019 and 2025.
No, Auburn lost in its only Final Four appearance in 2019.
Auburn's basketball team is called the Auburn Tigers.
Bruce Pearl is the coach of Auburn's basketball team.
No, Auburn has never won the National Championship.
