On Tuesday, the No. 1 Auburn Tigers made a statement with a 98-70 win at home against the Oklahoma Sooners. Heading into the second half of their SEC schedule, the Tigers will face off against the No. 6 Florida Gators on Saturday.
Last Sunday, Auburn Athletics released new procedures for entering basketball games this season to avoid any further stampedes or injuries to students following the Tennessee matchup nearly two weeks ago.
Process A involves students lining up in designated quad lines to receive a wristband granting access to the Jungle and various standing-room only spots throughout the arena. In process B, students choose spots to camp in line throughout the week ahead of a big game, exactly what they're doing leading up to Saturday's matchup with the Gators.
Over the past week, the Gators battled SEC opponents Tennessee and Vanderbilt, falling 64-44 to the Volunteers in Knoxville and bouncing back at home against the Commodores 86-75.
Florida’s star guard Walter Clayton Jr. suffered an ankle injury against Tennessee last Saturday, and his absence may have contributed to the Gators’ woes. Currently, his status is unclear for Saturday, but has tallied 17.4 points per game and 3.8 assists per game this season, being one of the keys to Florida's success.
If Clayton Jr. is not available to face the Tigers this Saturday, there are still many players that could step up. Guard Will Richard and forward Alex Condon have been keeping the Gators afloat alongside Clayton Jr .and could help lift the Gators to a possible upset.
These two players - Richard and Condon - have been important factors to Florida's high ranking. So far this season, Richard is averaging 13.4 points per game and five rebounds per game, while Condon averages 10.8 points per game and eight rebounds per game.
The Naismith Player of the Year candidate Johni Broome has continued his dominance in the paint and will need to maintain that momentum on Saturday. His 13 double-doubles have helped propel Auburn to a 21-1 record this season.
Auburn's defense must continue creating opportunities to fuel its offense. Graduate center Dylan Cardwell must show his physicality on the glass, while guards Tahaad Pettiford and Miles Kelly need to be precise from behind the 3-point line.
Overall, Florida presents a challenge for Auburn on Saturday. If the Tigers can limit turnovers and get the offense in a rhythm early, then the Tigers should find another conference win.
Tipoff is set for 3 p.m. CST. and will be broadcasted on ESPN2.
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Albert Osorio is a senior from Hoover, Alabama, who is majoring in journalism. He joined The Plainsman in January 2024.
