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Jacksonville State vs. Auburn Prediction and Odds for NCAA Men's Tournament First Round

By Iain MacMillan

Auburn will take on Jacksonville State in the Round of 64 game in March Madness.
Auburn will take on Jacksonville State in the Round of 64 game in March Madness. / Jake Crandall / USA TODAY NETWORK
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The Auburn Tigers have been awarded with the No. 2 seed in the Midwest Conference after a successful season that 27-5 overall and 15-3 in the SEC which was good enough to be named the regular season conference champions. A tournament loss to Texas A&M prevented them from getting a chance at a No. 1 seed, but the Tigers have a favorable matchup in the opening round against No. 15 Jacksonville State.

In a unique twist, Jacksonville State earned a March Madness berth despite not winning its conference tournament. Bellarmine won the ASUN tournament, but due to being a new Division 1 school, they weren't eligible for the NCAA Tournament. Because of that, the ASUN berth was awarded to Jacksonville State, who was the regular season champion.

Here are the odds via WynnBET for this first round matchup, as well as analysis, trends, and my prediction for the game.

Jacksonville State vs. Auburn Odds, Spread, and Total

Spread:

  • Jacksonville State +16 (-110)
  • Auburn -16 (-110)

Moneyline:

  • Jacksonville State +1000
  • Auburn -2000

Total:

  • 139 (Over -110/Under -110)

Jacksonville State vs. Auburn Betting Trends, Insights, and Analysis

Jacksonville State

  • Regular Season Record: 21-10
  • ATS Record: 19-12
  • Over/Under Record: 16-15
  • SoS: 204th
  • Adjusted Offensive Efficiency: 105.3
  • Adjusted Defensive Efficiency: 103.1
  • eFG%: 54.2%
  • FT%: 68.3%
  • 3PT%: 38.2%
  • Last Year’s Tournament Result: N/A
  • Odds to win National Championship: +100000

Auburn

  • Overall Record: 24-9
  • ATS Record: 19-12-1
  • Over/Under Record: 18-14
  • SoS: 23rd
  • Adjusted Offensive Efficiency: 113.6
  • Defensive Efficiency: 89.1
  • eFG%: 50.4%
  • FT%: 73.3%
  • 3PT%: 32.1%
  • Last Year’s Tournament Result: N/A
  • Odds to win National Championship: +1500

Jacksonville State vs. Auburn Prediction and Pick

Auburn's lack of guard play is going to hurt them in this tournament, but it shouldn't cost them in the opening round. The Tigers have arguably the best player in the country in Jabari Smith and him, along with their defense, should be enough to handle Jacksonville State with ease.

Auburn ranks eighth in defensive efficiency, and now they face a Jacksonville State team that has struggled with coughing the ball up all season, ranking 256th in turnovers per possession. Jacksonville State also loves the three-ball, ranking 63rd in three point shot rate. Auburn should have no issue slowing down their perimeter offense. The Tigers rank 59th in opponent three point field goal percentage.

It's a lot of points to lay, but I think it's the smart bet in this No. 15 vs. No. 2 Round of 64 matchup.

Pick: Auburn -16

Check out Iain's detailed 2022 college basketball betting record here.

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