Behind Enemy Lines: Previewing Alabama vs. Auburn basketball matchup
You couldn’t have scripted a better conference start for Nate Oats and the Alabama men’s basketball team. Currently, the Tide is a perfect 11-0 in the SEC but up next is a great challenge on the road against the Auburn Tigers.
Alabama will have its handful when they enter Auburn Arena on Saturday afternoon. The Tigers are coming off back-to-back road losses and are desperate for a win over the No. 3 Crimson Tide.
Auburn is 11-1 at home this season while Alabama is an impressive 7-1 on the road.
Before Saturday’s tip-off, let’s go behind enemy lines with Taylor Jones, site editor for Auburn Wire, to preview the matchup.
Auburn's offense has been a little inconsistent as of late, what do you believe has been the issue for the Tigers?
Guard play has been the biggest outlier this season. Wendell Green Jr. has basically had to carry the load at the point this season due to the limitations of Chance Westry. Westry had a great summer tour in Israel but underwent knee surgery in October and has not gotten back his summer level. When Green has a great game, usually the team does as well. However, if he’s off, the team seems to suffer a setback.
How excited are the fans down on the Plains to have Gameday coming to town for a matchup against the No. 3 Alabama Crimson Tide?
Auburn has now hosted College Gameday three times over the last three seasons, which is pretty exciting. Many of the younger fans see it as becoming a norm, but it is still surreal to those fans (including myself) who suffered through the Jeff Lebo and Tony Barbee era that ESPN would even think about coming to the Plains for a basketball game. Students are camping out as we speak in front of the arena in order to better their chances of getting a great seat for the action. Saturday’s game, from an atmosphere standpoint, could be one of the craziest games of the season in Neville Arena.
Which player for Auburn could prove to be the difference in the game?
Johni Broome has consistently been the guy this season in scoring, blocks, and rebounds, but Jaylin Williams has been sneaky good this season. He has been a leader in points, as well as rebounds, multiple times this season. A fine-tuned game with Wendell Green, Johni Broome, and Jaylin Williams in control usually means good things for Auburn.
What does Auburn need to do in order to win on Saturday?
Auburn will need to be patient when taking shots. Auburn likes to shoot the three-ball, but only connects on 29% of shots from beyond the arc.
Auburn will also need to stay away from foul trouble. Tuesday against Texas A&M, Auburn committed 27 personal fouls which turned into 31 extra points for the Aggies, which was the ultimate factor in their loss.
Finally, they have to let “The Jungle” take over. Neville Arena has become a hostile environment for opposing teams, and there’s no doubt that the students and fans will be up for the game, and the players need to let the energy flow through them.
What is your final score prediction?
It ultimately comes down to which Auburn team shows up, so anything can happen. But the scene is set up to be a wild one. I expect a close game, with Auburn getting it done. 76-73 Tigers.
Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Stacey Blackwood on Twitter @Blackwood89.
