No. 3 Auburn basketball is back on the hardwood, having achieved a stunning 83 - 81 victory over No. 5 Iowa State in the opening round of the Maui Invitational. Now, their next challenge awaits as they prepare to battle with No. 13 North Carolina, with a trip to the championship game hanging in the balance. Both teams have emerged victorious in thrilling encounters to reach the winner's bracket of the tournament. The question on everyone's mind is: who holds the edge in Tuesday's game?

ESPN's Prediction and Analysis

ESPN anticipates another closely contested match between these two squads, with Auburn seemingly having the upper hand. According to ESPN's matchup predictor, Auburn has a 59.3% chance of defeating North Carolina on Tuesday. This confidence stems from Auburn's performance and rankings. Ahead of the game, Auburn stands at No. 4 in ESPN's basketball power index, two spots ahead of North Carolina. In terms of defensive strength, Auburn holds a significant advantage, with a rating of 8.7 compared to North Carolina's 6.9. KenPom data also supports these findings, indicating similar trends. Both teams rank in the top five nationally in offense, but Auburn's defense shines through. Auburn is ranked No. 10 and is projected to allow only 93.5 points per 100 possessions, while North Carolina is projected to give up 98.1 points per 100 possessions, ranking No. 53. These defensive statistics highlight Auburn's potential to control the game and emerge victorious.

The Battle on Tuesday

Auburn and North Carolina will face off on Tuesday at 10 p.m. CT on ESPN. This highly anticipated matchup promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams vying for a spot in the championship game. Auburn's players will need to bring their A-game and capitalize on their defensive strengths to overcome North Carolina's offensive prowess. North Carolina, on the other hand, will look to exploit any weaknesses in Auburn's defense and assert their own offensive capabilities. The game will be a test of both teams' skills, strategies, and mental toughness. It will be a battle for supremacy on the hardwood, and fans can expect an exciting showdown.

Pre-Game Preparation and Coverage

As the big game approaches, Auburn fans are eagerly awaiting the action. The team is focused on their preparation and is determined to give their best performance. In addition to the on-court action, there is also a wealth of pre-game information available. Fans can click here to check out the game preview filled with broadcast and betting information. This provides valuable insights into the teams, players, and strategies, allowing fans to get a better understanding of what to expect. Additionally, fans can follow Auburn's coverage on various platforms. Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to stay updated on Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Taylor on Twitter @TaylorJones__ for exclusive insights and updates. The pre-game atmosphere is buzzing with excitement, and everyone is ready for the show to begin.