After narrowly missing the NCAA Tournament, the Auburn Tigers enter the NIT with the shortest odds to win it all, sitting at +350 in the futures market.
The No. 1 seed SEC representative is the only double-digit favorite — and a 17.5-point favorite at that — in a first-round matchup against the South Alabama Jaguars that will be broadcast on ESPN2 at 10 pm ET.
See why I’m eyeing the player prop market with my South Alabama vs. Auburn predictions and college basketball picks below.
South Alabama vs Auburn prediction
South Alabama vs Auburn best bet: Elyjah Freeman Over 5.5 rebounds (-120 at bet365)
The Auburn Tigers hit the glass on offense with prodigious force, snagging 13.4 offensive rebounds per game (16th). The Tigers hold a substantial edge overall on the glass as the South Alabama Jaguars rank just 264th in rebounding rate (48.3%).
Size is a concern — the Sun Belt representative doesn’t have anyone on the roster listed at 6-foot-10 or above. The Jaguars are a zone-heavy team on defense, which will make it difficult to keep the Tigers off the offensive glass.
Elyjah Freeman has grabbed 6+ rebounds in four of his last five games and should feast on the boards in this matchup.
COVERS INTEL: Auburn has faced the fourth-toughest strength of schedule (KenPom), while South Alabama checks in at just 286th.
South Alabama vs Auburn same-game parlay
Elyjay Freeman Over 5.5 rebounds
Elyjay Freeman Over 8.5 points
Kevin Overton Over 3.5 threes
South Alabama has some very drastic shooting splits defensively. The Jaguars have the highest 3-point attempt rate against in the nation, and pair that with the second-lowest near-proximity attempt rate against (Haslametrics).
This game plan should benefit Kevin Overton, a sharpshooter who has canned 4+ triples in five of his last eight contests. That’ll open up offensive rebounding and put-back opportunities for Freeman, who should score some easy buckets that way and has 3+ offensive boards in three of his last five games.
Our beyond the arc SGP: Bombs away!
Kevin Overton Over 3.5 threes
Keyshawn Hall Over 2.5 threes
Auburn first half -11.5
Auburn team total Over 88.5
South Alabama’s game plan of forcing teams to the perimeter may have worked in the Sun Belt, but it’s less likely to be effective in a horrible matchup against a potent Auburn offense (15th in adjusted efficiency) that crashes the offensive boards.
The style shock should happen in the first half before the Jaguars have an opportunity to adjust. Overton and Hall both shoot 38% from downtown and will capitalize on the additional opportunities.
South Alabama vs Auburn odds
- Spread: South Alabama +18 | Auburn -18
- Moneyline: South Alabama +1100 | Auburn -2200
- Over/Under: Over 153 | Under 153
South Alabama vs Auburn betting trend to know
Elyjah Freeman has grabbed 6+ rebounds in four of his last five games. Find more college basketball betting trends for South Alabama vs. Auburn.
How to watch South Alabama vs Auburn
| Location | Neville Arena, Auburn, AL |
| Date | Tuesday, March 17, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 10:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN2 |
South Alabama vs Auburn key injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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