All eyes will be on the state of Alabama on Saturday as No. 1 Auburn travels to Tuscaloosa, AL to take on No. 2 Alabama in the SEC's first ever No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup in men's college basketball. Members of our sports staff answered a few questions about the historic matchup in the latest edition of Writers' Roundtable.
What's your matchup to watch for on Saturday?
Patrick Bingham, Sports Editor: "In a game full of familiar faces and matchups, I'm excited to watch Denver Jones and Mark Sears face off — particularly Denver Jones defending the preseason SEC player of the year in Sears."
Grace Heim, Assistant Sports Editor: "I’m excited to see how Auburn defends the Crimson Tide's backcourt. The Tigers did a poor job of keeping Florida away from the 3-point line, but had lethal 3-point defense against Vanderbilt. If the Tigers can keep Alabama inside, they should have a better chance of coming away with another road conference win."
Logan Fowler, Sports Reporter: "Can Auburn defend Alabama's high-scoring backcourt? The Crimson Tide lead the nation in scoring, and live and die from beyond the arc - converting on 17 3-pointers against Texas on Tuesday. Auburn defends the perimeter well, holding teams to a 30.4% clip, while Alabama shoot 34.4% from deep. Auburn has some length in the backcourt, and if it can hold Alabama around the 30% mark things, it could be key for the Tigers."
Gunner Norene, Sports Writer: "There is a great amount of attention on the backcourt and guard play, but I'm excited to see the matchup between the bigs down low. I think Auburn's front court of Johni Broome, Dylan Cardwell and Chaney Johnson up against Grant Nelson and Cliff Omoruyi will be a defining point in the contest. Johni Broome and Chaney Johnson need to produce in order for the Tigers to emerge victorious, and if Johnson performs like he did at Vanderbilt on Tuesday, I think Auburn will have a great shot."
Charlie Diegnan, Sports Writer: "The most exciting matchup to watch is going to be Cliff Omoruyi and Grant Nelson attempting to limit Johni Broome. Defenders seem to find no answer to Broome's ability to score, but Omoruyi and Nelson are among the nations best big men. Broome scored 25 and 24 points respectively in last years matchups against The Tide, yet with Omoruyi coming to Alabama in through the transfer portal this season, he adds a new depth and presence that could effect Broome's scoring. "
Who is a player on Alabama that the Tigers should lookout for?
Patrick Bingham, Sports Editor: "I'll go with freshman and former Auburn commit Labaron Philon. If he can get off to a hot start it'll open up lots of options for Alabama."
Grace Heim, Assistant Sports Editor: "I thought about saying Mark Sears, but I’m going to say Aden Holloway. This will be a dramatic game for him. If he can get hot from deep the Tigers know better than most how dangerous that can be."
Logan Fowler, Sports Reporter: "You could make a case for anyone in Alabama's starting lineup, but I'll go with Mark Sears. He is their leading scorer with 17.8 points per game and is the catalyst for the offense when its firing on all cylinders. He scored 22 points in Alabama's lone win over the Tigers a year ago. Slowing him down on Saturday will be a top priority for the Tigers. "
Gunner Norene, Sports Writer: "Alabama is loaded at all positions, but I think the Tigers need to look out for Mark Sears. The senior ranks third in the SEC in both scoring (17.8 PPG) and assists (4.9 APG) and is an extreme threat if he gets hot. Sears posted 25 and 22 points in Alabama's two meetings with Auburn last season, respectively. There are many other weapons that the Tigers will also need to slow down, but limiting Sears is going to be essential on Saturday."
Charlie Diegnan, Sports Writer: "While no singular player on the Alabama roster is worth overlooking, the Tigers' will need to keep an eye and a body on Grant Nelson at all times. The 5th year senior is shooting 54.5% on the year and averaging just under 9 rebounds per game. If Nelson has his way on the glass and provides his team with second chance looks, the Tigers could be in hot water early. "
If Auburn wins in Tuscaloosa it's because _________?
Patrick Bingham, Sports Editor: "Defends without fouling. Both teams have great offensive ends but as they always say defense travels and the Tigers certainly have defense."
Grace Heim, Assistant Sports Editor: "Johni Broome."
Logan Fowler, Sports Reporter: "They stay out of foul trouble. Alabama excels at getting to the free-throw line with a 41.7% free-throw rate. Additionally, the Tigers will need all hands on deck, especially in the frontcourt, and cannot afford to lose a player to foul trouble on Saturday. "
Gunner Norene, Sports Writer: "The Tigers force turnovers and keep Alabama off the glass. Turnovers have been a problem for the Crimson Tide, as they are averaging 15.8 turnovers in the last five games, including 20 against Georgia. On the other hand, Alabama leads the league in rebounding, posting 44.2 per game. If the Auburn can get out in transition and keep guys like Grant Nelson off the boards, I think the Tigers will have a shot to pull it out."
Charlie Diegnan, Sports Writer: "Denver Jones gets hot. Jones shot light outs on Tuesday against Vanderbilt, tying his Auburn career high with 21 points and drilling 5 threes, 4 of which came in the first half. Johni Broome and Dylan Cardwell will be looking for Jones as an outlet on the perimeter and if he can replicate his performance from Tuesday, the Tigers should walk out of Coleman Coliseum with smiles on their faces. "
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