MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — No. 9 Auburn is taking on No. 8 Iowa in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Legacy Arena in Birmingham. Tip off is set for 5:50 p.m. on TNT.

WKRG will provide game updates and other storylines through out the game. WKRG’s Simone Eli and Gerhard Mathangani are in Birmingham covering the matchup.

The sports team will be live at 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. recapping the Alabama and Auburn first round games.

Live Updates

FINAL: Auburn advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament with a 83-75 win over Iowa in Birmingham Thursday night. Johni Broome and Allen Flanigan each turned in a double-double.

The Tigers will play the winner of Houston/Northern Kentucky Saturday. A time has not been set yet.

Media Timeout (3:53): The Tigers lead has been cut to just four with four minutes remaining.

Media Timeout (7:03): Auburn leads 64-56 with seven minutes remaining. The Hawkeyes have cut down the deficit.

Media Timeout (10:50): Auburn now leads by 17. The Tigers lead 58-41. The Tigers are on a 16-5 run.

Media Timeout (12:21): Auburn has extended its lead to 51-39 with 12 minutes remaining.

Media Timeout (15:56): Auburn is leading Iowa 39-29 at the first media timeout. Jaylin Williams and Johni Broome have each hit a three to get things started for the Tigers in the second half.

1st Half Thoughts (Auburn leads 31-26 at the half)

Both Auburn and Iowa struggled shooting to begin first round action. At one point, the Tigers and Hawkeyes were a combined 0-for-11 from the 3-PT line. Midway through the first half, the Tigers used a 9-2 run to jump out to a 21-14 lead.

The Hawkeyes responded and brought it to within three in the final minutes of the first half.

It has been a balanced scoring attack for Bruce Pearl’s offense. All five started have scored. Allen Flanigan has six points and seven rebounds. Johni Broome has nine points and six rebounds.

WKRG’s Simone Eli and Gerhard Mathangani shared their thoughts on the first half on Facebook Live.

At the half: Auburn leads 31-26.

Media Timeout (6:45): Auburn has extended its lead to 21-14 over Iowa. The Tigers used a 9-2 run powered by Johni Broome.

Media Timeout (10:20): Auburn leads 14-12 at the second media timeout. Allen Flanigan is leading the Tigers with four points and five rebounds. The Tigers and Hawkeyes are a combined 0-for-11 from the 3-PT line.

Media Timeout (15:26): Auburn leads Iowa 8-6 at the first media timeout. Johni Broome, Allen Flanigan, Wendell Greene Jr. and Zep Zasper each have scored.

5:50 p.m.: The game has tipped off!