Auburn missed free throws and three-pointers galore, but forced enough turnovers and played solid enough defense to win its first NCAA Tournament game since 2003, beating Charleston 62-58 in the first round earlier tonight.
The Tigers ground out the victory after a very slow start that had the game tied 25-25 at halftime, with Auburn failing to hit a three-pointer in the first half for the first time in 137 games. The most reliable facets of Auburn’s game failed for the Tigers tonight, as they hit just 15-32 free throws, and 5-24 threes, but still found a way to beat the Cougars to advance to play 5-seed Clemson Sunday night.