Looking to pick up its fifth quad-one win of the season, No. 2 Auburn gears up for another top-10 non-conference opponent against No. 9 Duke on Wednesday. Our sports staff answered a few questions on what to expect from the Tigers as they try to keep its undefeated season alive.
Will Auburn be able to slow down freshman sensation Cooper Flagg? What do they need to do to limit him from scoring?
Patrick Bingham, Sports Editor: "Against all three of Dukes major opponents; No. 19 Kentucky, at No. 17 Arizona and at No. 1 Kansas, Flagg had scored in double figures in 32-or-more minutes of play per game. It'll come down to the Tigers' defense from Broome, Cardwell and Johnson."
Grace Heim, Assistant Sports Editor: "Flagg has been the center of Duke's offense this season, but he has struggled with turning the ball over late in games. If Auburn, particularly its big men, can force Flagg to turn the ball over, the Tigers may be able to slow him down."
Logan Fowler, Sports Reporter: "I'm not sure Auburn can completely shut Flagg down soley because of the matchup problems he creates, as he leads the Blue Devils in scoring, rebounds, assists and blocks. It will be interesting to see who Bruce Pearl opts to contest Flagg with, whether its a smaller Chaney Johnson or a slower Johni Broome. If Auburn can put on-ball pressure on him throughout the game and force him into a few turnovers, I like the Tigers chances of being to slow him down. "
Charles Diegnan, Sports Writer: " The Twin Towers of Johni Broome and Dylan Cardwell in the paint for Auburn seems to be an effective two-man punch on the defensive side of the ball. While both players strong defensive skillsets will be called upon to limit Flagg, the duo remains in the low post most of the time on defense, leaving Miles Kelly and the lengthy Chaney Johnson off the bench to defend the young star. Flagg's ability to stretch the floor and score from wherever will test the Tigers, however a culmination of zone and man defenses paired with quick on-ball switches should be enough to limit Flagg's generational talent."
Gunner Norene, Sports Writer: "Based on what we’ve seen from Auburn’s stout defense so far this season, I think the Tigers have the ability to slow down any player in the country. Bruce Pearl preaches relentless effort on the defensive end and has brought in guys that fit his style of play. Seniors Johni Broome, Dylan Cardwell and Chaney Johnson will play a big role in limiting his points in the paint and forcing him to resort to options on the perimeter. While Cooper Flagg is a dynamic playmaker and can score from anywhere on the floor, he is only shooting 26.9% from three-point range this season, which is something I think Auburn needs to take into account."
How does Auburn approach this game with Duke being one of the better defensive team's in the country?
Patrick Bingham, Sports Editor: "This certainly could be a low scoring game, but I think the start will be important for Auburn. This doesn't feel like a game where Auburn can get down and have a big second half comeback."
Grace Heim, Assistant Sports Editor: "Auburn needs to rely on what's been working for it — it's shooting in the paint. If the Tigers can get the post game going early, the perimeter will eventually open up, and the team ranked number one in the country in offensive efficiency should have a solid night."
Logan Fowler, Sports Reporter: "The story of the night will be Auburn's No.1 offense vs. Dukes No. 1 defense in the country - according to KenPom. Auburn hasn't had any trouble this season scoring in the paint - or anywhere on the floor for that matter - but has not seen a team as long and lengthy as the Blue Devils. The good thing for Auburn is that if Duke's sole focus is on Johni Broome, it opens everything else up for Auburn's shooters, and the Tigers will have to capitalize on open shots."
Charles Diegnan, Sports Writer: "Auburn's offensive schemes have been working well this season, averaging 86.7 points per game and ranked the number 1 offense in the country according to On3 Industries. With Johni Broome's presence in the post, I expect Duke to leave the sharpshooters of Tahaad Pettiford, Denver Jones and Miles Kelly open on the perimeter and make them earn their points. As long as the Tigers can move the ball around fast, I expect the scoring to be scattered around the Auburn lineup making the game a larger team effort than single-man show. "
Gunner Norene, Sports Writer: "According to KenPom’s metrics, Duke currently ranks first in the nation in defensive efficiency while Auburn is rated the best offensive team in the country. The Tigers should continue doing what has been effective through the first seven games of the season: feed Johni Broome. He needs to get on track early and make a few shots from the low post, opening up outside shots for long-range weapons like Miles Kelly, Denver Jones, Chad Baker-Mazara, and others. If the Tigers are well-balanced on the offensive end of the court and limit turnovers, I believe they will have a successful night."
If Duke finds a way to shutdown Johni Broome, who do you expect to pickup the scoring efforts for Auburn?
Patrick Bingham, Sports Editor: "Chaney Johnson. He's been Auburn's most important player off the bench for the Tigers all season. In the trio of Maui games, either Johnson or Cardwell struggled in foul trouble causing the other, along with Broome, to play heavy minutes. It'll be important for the Tigers' front court to avoid foul trouble, especially if Broome struggles for the first time this season."
Grace Heim, Assistant Sports Editor: "Miles Kelly. While I do not think Broome will be shutdown completely, I expect him to feed the perimeter from inside a lot on Wednesday night. Kelly will get a lot of looks, and if he gets going, it's hard to stop him from deep."
Logan Fowler, Sports Reporter: "Auburn's depth has been on display already this season and the Tigers have proved they have multiple scoring options other than Broome. While I don't think that Broome gets shutdown completely, I wouldn't expect him to go for 20+ again. I would bet on Miles Kelly or Chad Baker-Mazara to pick up the scoring efforts if Broome gets shutdown. "
Charles Diegnan, Sports Writer: "If Broome is shutdown on Wednesday, I expect Denver Jones and Miles Kelly to step up big time for the Tigers. Both players are averaging in double figures this year with the ability to score from 23+ feet anytime the ball is in their hands. If Duke can stop Broome in the paint, the perimeter will be left open, giving Jones and Kelly the opportunity for a legacy game of their own. "
Gunner Norene, Sports Writer: "If the Blue Devils shut down Johni Broome, I expect senior forward Chaney Johnson to step up in a big way. In my opinion, Johnson is on pace for a breakout season, as he has shown stints of being a dominant scorer in the paint and also able hit shots from the perimeter. Along with Johnson, I think Chad Baker-Mazara would also heavily contribute to Auburn’s scoring efforts, as he’s proven to be a large source of points for the Tigers who can make shots from anywhere on the court."
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