The NCAA Tournament is known for its unpredictability and upsets, and this year was no exception. Auburn's championship season came to a heartbreaking end with a 78-76 loss to Yale in the first round of the tournament. The Tigers, who were considered one of the favorites to win it all, were stunned by the Bulldogs in a thrilling back-and-forth game that went down to the wire.
Despite a valiant effort from star player Jared Harper, who scored 25 points in the losing effort, Auburn was unable to overcome Yale's hot shooting and tenacious defense. The loss was a bitter pill to swallow for Auburn fans, who had high hopes for their team heading into the tournament.
No. 4 seed Auburn basketball had that in its sights against 13-seed Yale in the Round of 64 on Friday, up by six points with four minutes remaining in Spokane Arena. But the Tigers, due to some missed shots and untimely fouls, collapsed late to get upset by the Bulldogs, 78-76.
Yale junior John Poulakidas was unbelievable throughout, but especially with one big shot down the stretch. He connected on a clutch 3-pointer to give the Bulldogs (23-9) a lead with just over two minutes remaining, and they never looked back.
Broome led Auburn with 24 points, 13 rebounds and four assists.
The Bulldogs (23-9) won an NCAA Tournament game for the second time in school history, rallying from a 10-point deficit midway through the second half. After the final seconds ticked off, the players celebrated on the scorer’s table in front of their fans.
Yale, the 13th seed and Ivy League tournament champion, advances to Sunday's second round game against No. 5 seed San Diego State, a 69-65 winner over Alabama-Birmingham. A victory in Sunday's 9:45 p.m. could set a up a potential Sweet 16 match up with No. 1 UConn.
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