Yahoo Sports’ Jason Fitz and basketball analyst Isis ‘Ice’ Young react to the overall top seed’s 83-63 win over Alabama State and why the Tigers still have room for improvement.

Video Transcript

Top seeded Auburn, the top overall seed in the entire tournament, advances by way of a 20 point tournament win over Alabama State, their largest tourney win since 1999, 83, 63.

Jason Fitz hanging out with Ice Young.

Ice.

Uh, I don’t think we’re surprised that Auburn, uh, gets this win, but let’s be honest, it was tight in the first half for a minute.

It definitely was.

I thought Alabama State put up a really good fight in the first half and probably gave all that they could, but then you just saw Auburn Tigers really weather the storm, wear down Alabama State with their defense, their athleticism, their size.

I really like what I saw out of Taja Pettyfer.

I feel like in order for Auburn to maybe get to a Final Four.

a national championship.

Pettiford is the key to them on the guard position, scoring the basketball, creating havoc and getting to the paint.

So I thought him, Miles Kelly, and then Janiah Broom getting a double-double is exactly what you’d want to see if you’re Bruce Pearl.

I don’t think they played great basketball though.

I definitely still think there were some areas of concern that they’ll need to clean up before they face Crayon.

Yeah, they always say the best way to get a learning opportunity is when you win and still have things to learn.

Probably the case for Auburn here, but most importantly, they advance to the round of 32.