Behind Enemy Lines: Previewing Florida’s next game with Auburn Wire
The Florida men’s basketball team got a breather this week ahead of its home matchup against their Southeastern Conference rivals, the Auburn Tigers, on Saturday. The Gators are coming off both a signature win and a brutal last-minute loss on the road looking to make their case for an NCAA Tournament invite.
Todd Golden’s team is currently 15-7 with a 5-4 mark in SEC play, putting together a tidy 9-1 record inside the O’Connell Center; this is juxtaposed to their 6-6 tally away from Gainesville. On the other hand, Bruce Pearl’s boys are 19-4 and 8-2 against conference competition coming into this one, currently riding a three-game winning streak.
We caught up with Taylor Jones from Auburn Wire ahead of this weekend’s matchup to get the inside scoop on the Tigers this season. Take a look below at our question-and-answer session as we prepare for the big game.
Auburn won 11-straight before dropping a pair at ‘Bama and Ole Miss. Have they fully recovered from that stumble?
The losses in Tuscaloosa and Starkville were wake-up calls. Each win this season has been by double-digits, and the team needed a few close games to earn more about themselves. Following the losses, the stigma surrounding the team was their lack of Quadrant 1 wins.
The Tigers have now won two quad-1 games in a row by an average of 16 points. The SEC slate is a gauntlet, but Auburn is in a much better place now than it was two weeks ago.
Speaking of stumbles, Auburn was embarrassed at Appalachia State in December. What has changed about the team since that nadir?
We were told at the beginning of the season that this season’s team would be the deepest of the Pearl era, and we have seen that over recent weeks. Johni Broome scored 21 in the game, but went 1-for-7 at the free-throw line. The remaining starters scored 16 total points.
Since then, we have seen more production from Jaylin Williams and Denver Jones, as well as great bench play from Chad Baker-Mazara and KD Johnson. Tre Donaldson has also moved into the 1-spot for Aden Holloway in the starting lineup, which has caused an uptick in productivity as well.
How is the fanbase feeling about Bruce Pearl these days?
He is as universally loved today as he was the day he was hired. He remains very engaged with the fanbase and holds himself accountable in tough situations. The culture surrounding Auburn basketball has been a bright spot for the fanbase, and Pearl is an instrumental reason why.
How important has the one-two punch of Johni Broome and Jaylin Williams been to the success of the team?
It has been beneficial to have someone to step up and compliment Broome in the starting lineup, and Jaylin Williams has been the perfect example. The duo combined to score 50 points in Wednesday’s win over Alabama, that result is indicative of the success Auburn has when both guys are on their game.
If both players reach double digits and find success in moving the basketball, Auburn usually wins big.
Who concerns you the most on Florida’s roster?
Tyrese Samuel stands out the most to me. He appears to be the biggest threat in both aspects of the game, and Auburn will need to find a way to slow him down to escape Gainesville with a win.
What will be the X-factor for Auburn on Saturday?
Auburn’s production will need to remain consistent no matter who is on the floor. Playing in Florida has always been challenging for Auburn (who has not won in Gainesville since 1996), and they can not afford to skip a beat if they hope to win Saturday.
Prediction
Auburn is on a high right now, and Wednesday’s win over Alabama could either make or break their Saturday performance. If Broome and Williams reach double-figures, and Chad Baker-Mazara continues to provide solid relief off the bench, then the Tigers should escape as victors.
I think it will be close, with Auburn earning a 75-72 win.
Game info
Florida hosts Auburn inside the O’Connell Center on Saturday, Feb. 10. Tipoff is slated for 3:30 p.m. ET and the game will be broadcast on the SEC Network.
Read more
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