Yale vs. Auburn Picks and Predictions – Friday, Mar. 22

Mar 17, 2024; Nashville, TN, USA; Auburn Tigers forward Johni Broome (4) embraces head coach Bruce Pearl in the second half against the Florida Gators in the SEC Tournament championship game at Bridgestone Arena.
Image Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

We have your Yale Bulldogs vs. Auburn Tigers prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Yale Bulldogs hit the road to face the Auburn Tigers.

The Auburn Tigers (27-7) are set to face off against the Yale Bulldogs (22-9) in a highly anticipated NCAA Tournament matchup. With Auburn on a five-game winning streak and Yale looking to prove their mettle, this game is poised to be a clash of determination and skill.

Yale Bulldogs vs. Auburn Tigers Odds Info

Moneyline: Yale Bulldogs +600 (PointsBet) / Auburn Tigers -899 (PointsBet)

Spread: -12.5 – Yale Bulldogs -110 (PointsBet) / Auburn Tigers -110 (PointsBet)

Total: 140.5 – -110 (Bet365) / -109 (BetRivers)

Game Info

Date: Friday, Mar. 22

Time: 03:15 PM

Location: Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena – None, None

TV: TNT

Yale Bulldogs Betting Trends

  • On the road, Yale Bulldogs are 9 and 6 this season.
  • Against the spread this season, Yale Bulldogs are 15 and 10.
  • Against the spread on the road, Yale Bulldogs are 8 and 6.

Auburn Tigers Betting Trends

  • At home, Auburn Tigers are 15 and 1 this season.
  • Against the spread this season, Auburn Tigers are 20 and 13.
  • Against the spread at home, Auburn Tigers are 12 and 7.

Yale Bulldogs vs. Auburn Tigers Predictions

The Auburn Tigers enter the NCAA Tournament with momentum on their side, having won their last five games, including a dominant performance in the SEC Tournament. Led by forward Johni Broome, who averages 16.2 points and 8.4 rebounds per game, Auburn boasts a high-octane offense that ranks 9th in points and 18th in assists nationally. Their defense is equally formidable, leading college hoops in Effective Field Goal Percentage Allowed and holding opponents to under 30% from long range.

On the other side, the Yale Bulldogs, champions of the Ivy League, have been impressive in their own right. Forward Danny Wolf, averaging 14.3 points and 9.8 rebounds, anchors a Yale team that excels in interior play and defensive efficiency. The Bulldogs’ slower pace and focus on the paint have served them well, leading to a solid 22-9 record. However, they face a stern test against Auburn’s athletic defense and will need to find quality shots to keep pace.

This matchup will likely hinge on the battle inside, with Yale’s Wolf going head-to-head with Auburn’s Broome. Both teams have the experience and the talent to make a deep run in the tournament, but it will come down to execution on the big stage. With Auburn’s depth and defensive prowess, they are the favorites, but as history has shown, Yale is no stranger to upsetting the odds in March Madness.

Yale Bulldogs vs. Auburn Tigers Pick

The Auburn Tigers have been on a tear defensively, leading the nation in Effective Field Goal Percentage Allowed and stifling opponents’ three-point shooting. This defensive prowess, combined with Yale’s slower pace of play and focus on interior scoring, suggests that points may be at a premium in this matchup. While Auburn’s offense is potent, Yale’s strength lies in their defensive efficiency, which could disrupt the Tigers’ scoring rhythm. Furthermore, the Bulldogs’ lack of reliance on the three-point shot means they are less likely to engage in a high-scoring shootout, which supports the under pick.

Historically, Yale has shown the ability to keep games close and competitive, especially in tournament settings. However, Auburn’s recent form and defensive statistics indicate that they are capable of controlling the tempo and limiting Yale’s scoring opportunities. The total line set at 140.5 seems optimistic given the defensive capabilities of both teams, and the trends suggest that an under scenario is more likely. With both teams likely to emphasize defense and deliberate offensive execution, the under is the more compelling pick for this NCAA Tournament clash.

The Pick: Under 140.5 -110 (Bet365)