Riding a four-game winning streak, Auburn travels to Knoxville on Saturday night for a primetime ESPN showdown with Tennessee at Thompson-Boling Arena.
Already ranked No. 2 nationally in strength of schedule, the matchup kicks off a four-game stretch against Quad I opponents for the Tigers, who are 4-6 in such matchups this season.
“Obviously, playing at a really tough spot," head coach Steven Pearl said. "Tennessee is really good at home – really good in general this year. I think they have only lost one at home.”
Much like last weekend's battle with Florida – the nation’s top rebounding team – Tennessee boasts a dominating presence on the boards, ranking No. 3 nationally with 15.7 offensive rebounds per game.
“In their SEC wins, they are averaging 20 offensive rebounds per game. While Florida was a battle, this one is going to be that and some, as far as trying to keep these guys off the offensive glass,” Pearl said.
“If winning is important to you, and that’s what matters, then you will check out every possession,” he later echoed.
Winners of three of its last four, Tennessee is paced by Ja’Kobi Gillespi and Nate Ament, who average 19 and 16.3 points per game, respectively. Auburn’s Keyshawn Hall shared SEC Co-Player of the Week honors with Ament this week.
“An absolute handful. They are combining for half of their points, essentially, in conference so far this year,” Pearl said. “We are going to have our hands full trying to guard those guys.”
Auburn will counter with Hall, who exploded for his third 30-point game of the season in the Tigers’ last outing, scoring 25 points in the second half alone. Hall is the only player in the SEC who ranks in the top 10 in both scoring (20.9 - 2nd) and rebounding (7.6 - 6th).
Kevin Overton poured in 25 points – his second-highest output of the season and fourth time notching 20 points – on a 5-of-7 clip from beyond-the-arc. The duo became the first since Chris Denson (30) and KT Harrell (26) to record 25 points or more in the same SEC game since 2014.
After starting 5-of-20 from the field against Texas, Auburn finished the game making 19 of its final 27 shots, scoring on 24 of its final 28 possessions.
“As long as we trust what our game plan is, ultimately teams will break down,” Pearl said. “Mike (Burgomaster) has done a great job of making adjustments, and our guys have done a great job of being locked into things that we need to continue to do.”
Auburn also tied a school record with just three turnovers, marking only the fourth time in program history that the Tigers have had just three turnovers in a game.
Saturday marks the ninth time this season Pearl has faced a coach with Final Four experience. He has posted a 5-3 record in such games, squaring off with Rick Barnes this time.
“Coach Barnes has done an unbelievable job with everything that they have accomplished and the success that they have had,” Pearl said.” Another phenomenal opportunity for our guys to try and beat one of the best programs in our league over the last 10 or 11 years.”
Tipoff for Saturday is set for 7:30 p.m. on ESPN.
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