No. 3 Auburn basketball returns to the hardwood on Tuesday after its stunning 83-81 win over No. 5 Iowa State in the first round of the Maui Invitational. Next up for the Tigers is a battle with No. 13 North Carolina with a trip to the championship game on the line.

Both teams won thrillers to advance to the winner’s bracket of the tournament. Who has the edge in Tuesday’s game?

ESPN expects another close game for these squads, with Auburn holding the advantage. Auburn has a 59.3% chance to beat North Carolina on Tuesday according to ESPN’s matchup predictor.

Ahead of the game, Auburn ranks No. 4, two spots ahead of North Carolina in ESPN’s basketball power index. Auburn holds an advantage in defensive strength, leading North Carolina 8.7 to 6.9. KenPom data suggests similar data. Auburn and North Carolina rank in the top-five nationally in offense, but the Tigers have the edge in defense. Auburn ranks No. 10 and is forecasted to allow 93.5 points per 100 possessions while North Carolina is projected to give up 98.1 points per 100 possessions, which ranks No. 53.

Auburn faces North Carolina on Tuesday at 10 p.m. CT on ESPN. Click here to check out the game preview filled with broadcast and betting information.

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on  X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Taylor on Twitter @TaylorJones__