It’s really not that deep. College basketball success relies on a good to great guard play unless you have exceptional play from every other player on the floor. These last 3 years, the guard play has been very underwhelming, hence why Auburn has had early exits in the tournament. Even this year, the three guards that left combined averaged around 18-19 ppg. That’s mediocre to say the least. And then Aden couldn’t hit anything and was probably Auburn’s worst shooter the whole year arguably. Auburn was relying on him to be a playmaker but he just couldn’t find his shot. So yea, when you have mediocre guard play come in February and March, it will come back to haunt you, and it’s literally the reason why Auburn hasn’t advanced past the first weekend the last 3 years. I also think he has addressed that with the guards coming in for this year.

As for comparing the team’s seasons, again, you are not looking at the whole picture. Auburn was by far the better team, as you stated, by every metric and objective analysis. Yes, they split the series, but Auburn had a chance to win at your place while the game at Auburn was over before halftime. There was also a reason why Auburn had higher odds than your team. Your whole year was considered a success because of 4 games. You are telling me if your team lost in the first round it would have been overall the same success as Auburn? Rhetorical question.
Again, the tournament is not the only thing that matters in college basketball. Your team’s losses were almost all blowouts. But again, your team got a favorable draw and got to the final 4.

I will say this though, both teams choked mightily for the most part when playing any top team in conference and nationally.