The greatest regular-season event in college basketball is back where it belongs and delivering big-time on Day 1

By the time Auburn took the lead with about four minutes to play, Iowa State snapped back into action, even taking an 81-79 lead with 50 seconds left off two Gilbert free-throws. But Auburn quickly answered, as Dylan Cardwell found Miles Kelly inside for a cutting layup, setting the stage for the pivotal last 30 seconds.

First up for Auburn is the Iowa State Cyclones, ranked No. 5 in the AP Poll. The Cyclones have not faced a challenge like the one the Tigers had against Houston, but were a Sweet 16 team last season and returned some of their top contributors.