Auburn suffered a tough 88-82 loss to the No. 17 Baylor Bears in their season opener in South Dakota. Despite the defeat, the Tigers displayed some promising strengths and performances on both ends of the court.
Defensively, Auburn had a strong showing, grabbing 24 rebounds and recording 10 blocked shots. Johni Broome led the team with five defensive boards, and Dylan Cardwell excelled with five blocks.
On the offensive end, three players scored 10 or more points, with freshman Aden Holloway leading the way with a 19-point performance. Cardwell and Tre Donaldson also impressed, shooting 68% from the field.
In terms of their KenPom ranking, Auburn remains a top-20 team despite the loss. They sit at No. 18 overall, trailing only Tennessee, Alabama, Kentucky, and Arkansas in the SEC.
Offensively, the Tigers rank No. 16 in adjusted offensive efficiency, showcasing their scoring abilities. Defensively, they rank No. 28, indicating their strength in that area as well. Their adjusted tempo and strength of schedule also place them in favorable positions.
Looking ahead, Auburn will face off against Southeastern Louisiana in their home opener. Southeastern Louisiana currently holds a lower ranking in the KenPom, providing Auburn with an opportunity to bounce back from their opening loss.
Laura Davis covers the world of basketball with precision. Her articles explore NBA and college basketball, offering game analysis, player profiles, and highlights. Laura’s passion for hoops is evident in her comprehensive basketball coverage.
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