Seattle U Redhawks vs Auburn Tigers Picks and Predictions for Sunday, March 22, 2026
Use Code WWWC Seattle U travels to Auburn for an NIT second-round matchup at Neville Arena in Auburn, Alabama, on Sunday at 6:30 PM ET on ESPN2. Seattle U is 21-13 after a first-round 67-52 win over St. Thomas-Minnesota, while Auburn is 18-16 following its 78-67 first-round win over South Alabama. Auburn is listed as a 13.5-point favorite with the total at 146.5. Auburn is the bigger name and heavy favorite, but there are key factors that could make this game tighter than expected. Cash a winning ticket with our free college basketball picks.
Seattle U Playing Clean, Controlled Basketball
Seattle U averages 71.8 points per game and allows just 66.6, relying on its defense to carry the load. Brayden Maldonado leads the team with an average of 14.4 points per game, while Will Heimbrodt adds 12.3 points and a team-high 5.3 rebounds. Maleek Arington contributes across the board with 3.9 assists and 2.2 steals per game, giving Seattle U a strong perimeter defender and playmaker on offense.
In the opening round win, Seattle U controlled the game defensively, holding St. Thomas-Minnesota to 38% shooting and forcing 21 turnovers. Even though the Redhawks shot just 37% from the field, they made up for it with strong shooting from three-point range at 43% and solid free throw shooting at 82%.
Seattle U’s way to win in this matchup is clear. The Redhawks will look to slow the tempo, limit Auburn’s transition opportunities, and force the Tigers into half-court sets. Allowing just 66.6 points per game gives them a foundation to stay within range, especially if they continue to take care of the basketball and convert from the perimeter.
Get Free $30 Credit for Premium Picks + Exclusive Discounts
Subscribe Now
Key Injuries - Seattle U Redhawks
Seattle U does not have any players listed on its injury report.
Auburn Adjusting Without a Key Interior Presence
Auburn averages 82.6 points per game but allows 79.0, often playing in higher-scoring and less controlled games. Keyshawn Hall leads the Tigers with an average of 19.9 points per game, while Tahaad Pettiford adds 15.4 points and 3.6 assists. Kevin Overton contributes 13.6 points, giving Auburn multiple scoring options.
However, a major factor in this matchup is the absence of KeShawn Murphy, who is out as he left the team with no real explanation of why. Murphy averages 10.7 points and leads the team with 6.8 rebounds while also providing interior defense. His absence removes Auburn’s leading rebounder and a key physical presence in the paint, which could impact both ends of the floor.
In the first-round win over South Alabama, Auburn won by 11 points but failed to cover as an 18.5-point favorite. The Tigers were productive offensively, but the game showed some of the disadvantages without Murphy, particularly in controlling the glass and maintaining consistent defensive pressure.
Auburn still has scoring depth, but the lack of interior stability could be a factor against a disciplined team like Seattle U.
Key Injuries - Auburn Tigers
- KeShawn Murphy - Out
- Emeka Opurum - Out
Seattle U Redhawks vs Auburn Tigers Pick - Spread
- Seattle U +13.5
Auburn has the better scoring, but the absence of Murphy is a meaningful loss that affects rebounding, interior scoring, and overall balance. Seattle U’s defensive style and ability to control tempo match up well against a team that prefers to play faster. The Redhawks already showed in the first round that they can win with defense even when the offense is not at its best. Auburn’s inability to cover a large number in the opening round is another signal. Without Murphy, it becomes more difficult for the Tigers to create a double-digit lead, especially against a team that limits possessions. Seattle U has the discipline to stay within striking distance and will be able to keep this game inside the number.
Seattle U Redhawks vs Auburn Tigers - Over/Under Pick
- Under 146.5
Seattle U’s defensive approach points this game toward a lower-scoring outcome. The Redhawks will look to slow the pace and reduce possessions, which naturally limits scoring opportunities for both sides. Auburn can score, but without Murphy, their effectiveness inside could dip, especially if they are forced into more perimeter shots. If Seattle U controls tempo and keeps this game in the half-court, the total becomes difficult to reach. With one team focused on defense and the other missing a key interior piece, this play is under.
Betting on College Basketball?
- Join Winners and Whiners premium for free and get a free $30 coupon with code FREE30
- Get started and wager on college hoops today with our favorite online sportsbooks
- Claim a CBB betting bonus offer with the best sportsbook promos
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
