For the first time this season, Auburn never held a lead as the top-ranked Tigers fell 83-72 to No. 22 Texas A&M at Reed Arena on Tuesday night.
The loss ensures the Aggies will continue to hold a league-best 6-2 record against the Tigers since Buzz Williams took over in Aggieland (2019-2020). Texas A&M now holds an 8-3 record over Auburn in the last 11 meetings.
Auburn is now 8-1 on the road this season following the loss.
Here are the biggest takeaways from the game:
Aggies out-physical Auburn
The difference in the game was the amount of offensive rebounds the Aggies were able to corral.
Texas A&M lived up to its reputation as the best offensive rebounding team in the nation – 15.9 offensive rebounds per game – and hauled in a whopping 24 offensive rebounds – the most Auburn has allowed all season – which led to 29 second-chance points.
Additionally, the Aggies outmanned Auburn offensively down low, leaving the game with a +8 advantage and 36 points in the paint.
A&M defense stifles Auburn
Picking the Tigers up with some halfcourt pressure, the Aggies' defense dropped back into many different looks throughout the game to disrupt the Auburn offense.
The Tigers hit 50% of their shots from the field and added nine makes from deep but only attempted 50 shots compared to the Aggies' 65, partially due to 13 turnovers committed. The Aggies limit their league opponents to just 53.9 FGA/G, which is the lowest average in the conference.
The turnovers were another huge detriment to Auburn, which entered with just nine per game, good for fourth in the nation. Texas A&M turned the Tigers’ miscues into 18 points on the other end of the floor.
Another off-night for Broome
Johni Broome’s nine points against Kentucky on Saturday were the lowest he’s had in a game that he did not exit early due to injury. He followed it up with just eight points against the Aggies, as he was not able to deliver on a night when the leading candidate for national player of the year was needed.
However, his seven-rebound performance did notch him in the history books as the fourth player in college basketball history to record 2,500 points and 1,500 rebounds.
Denver Jones’ presence greatly missed
The Aggies’ backcourt duo of Zhuric Phelps and Wade Taylor IV combined for 35 points with 19 and 16 points, respectively. Additionally, Manny Obaseki added 10 points.
The Tigers’ best on-ball defender, Denver Jones, was held out with a “soft-tissue” injury suffered in the first half against Kentucky on Saturday.
Texas A&M, the worst 3-point shooting team in the SEC, exploded for nine makes from deep as it proved to be another huge factor in its win. While Auburn missed its first three shots from the field, A&M shot out to an early 7-0 lead and made three of its first four attempts from deep, setting the tone for what kind of night it was going to be.
Auburn will play its final regular-season game against No. 7 Alabama at Neville Arena on Saturday. The game will be broadcast on ESPN, and tipoff is set for 1:30 p.m.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email [email protected].
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
