In a stunning upset, No. 13 Yale defeated No. 4 Auburn 78-76 in the NCAA tournament after overcoming a 10-point deficit. The Bulldogs slowly chipped away at Auburn’s lead during the second half, thanks to an Auburn scoring drought.
Yale took the lead 73-72 with just over two minutes left in the game after a clutch 3-pointer by John Poulakidas. Auburn missed crucial free throws and opportunities to tie or take the lead in the final moments, leading to a chaotic finish with multiple missed shots and rebounds.
Poulakidas led the way for Yale with a game-high 28 points, while teammate Broome added 24 points. This victory marks Yale’s first NCAA tournament win since 2016 and adds to a disappointing start for SEC teams in the tournament.
Auburn, who was favored to win the national title, faltered against Yale and missed key player Chad Baker-Mazara, who was ejected early in the game for a flagrant foul. The loss highlights the unpredictability of March Madness and shows that anything can happen in the tournament.
The defeat for Auburn serves as a wake-up call for the team and a reminder that no opponent should be taken lightly. Yale’s impressive comeback will go down in NCAA tournament history as one of the most memorable upsets, showcasing the excitement and drama that March Madness is known for.
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