Following a 20-point win over No. 16 seed Alabama State, No. 1 overall seed Auburn is set to face No. 9 seed Creighton tonight inside of Rupp Arena for a spot in the Sweet 16 for the first time since the 2019 tournament. Our sports staff answered a few questions about the matchup in Lexington, KY between the Tigers and Bluejays tonight.
Who wins the battle of the bigs between Broome and Kalkbrenner?
Patrick Bingham, Sports Editor: "I tend to agree with Creighton head coach Greg McDermott that the winner of this matchup will win the game and advance to the Sweet 16. No one has really shut Broome completely down this season, so until it is done I'll go with him."
Logan Fowler, Sports Reporter: "It's offense vs. defense in what will be a war in the painted area between the two. Both average around 19 points per game, and while Broome is no slouch defensively, Kalbrenner ranks fifth in the nation with 2.7 blocks per game and has won Big East Defensive Player of the Year for the fourth straight season. However, Kalbrenner hasn't seen anyone with the capability of Broome this year and I believe he will continue his dominant ways in this one."
Albert Osorio, Sports Writer: "Kalkbrenner is a couple of inches taller and gets aggressive to the rim most of the time. However, Broome can be good behind the 3-point line if he gets good looks. It will be an intense battle, but I see Kalkbrenner's length and size becoming a bigger advantage."
Charles Diegnan, Sports Writer: "While I'd like to say Johni Broome, Ryan Kalkbrenner has 3 inches and 35 pounds on him. I don't think Broome will be restrained from scoring, but he might not be as dominant on the glass as Kalkbrenner in this one."
Can the Tigers slow down Creighton's 3-point attack?
Patrick Bingham, Sports Editor: "Unless the Bluejays are just extremely hot from deep, I like the Tigers in this matchup. They've slowed down several teams' 3-point attacks, notably Alabama. If Creighton wins, I think it will be down low."
Logan Fowler, Sports Reporter: "Yes. Auburn ranks sixth in the nation in 3-point defense, holding opponents to just 29% from beyond the arc. Louisville struggled to defend the perimeter in the first round, and Creighton took advantage of it. Auburn’s guards should do a much better job closing out on Jamiya Neal and Steven Ashworth, who lead a group averaging 9.5 made threes per game.
Albert Osorio, Sports Writer: "Auburn needs to build momentum for themselves and hit their 3-pointers too. However, they have to be better with shot selection and commit less turnovers in order for Creighton to have less opportunities behind the line."
Charles Diegnan, Sports Writer: "It'll be tough, but it can be done. Denver Jones will need to step up on the perimeter and Broome and Cardwell need to limit second-chance points off rebounds. If Jones and Miles Kelly can keep a hand in Steven Ashworth's and Jamiya Neal's faces, the Tigers should be fine. "
Who has to step up for Auburn to get back to the Sweet 16?
Patrick Bingham, Sports Editor: "I think it's the bench. We saw Tahaad Pettiford and Chaney Johnson have bounce back games against Alabama State in the opening round. With all due respect to the Hornets, they are the weakest opponent Auburn has faced this season. If the bench can do it against Creighton, the Tigers will play in Atlanta next weekend."
Logan Fowler, Sports Reporter: "While I agree with Auburn assistant coach Steven Pearl that the Tigers must have Johni and Chad Baker-Mazara step up in order to win the high-level games, I'm going to go with Denver Jones. He's had the assignment of guarding the other team's best players night in and night out, and he'll have to do so again with Ashworth on Saturday. "
Albert Osorio, Sports Writer: "I think two players that should step up for Saturday are Chad Baker-Mazara and Dylan Cardwell. Baker-Mazara must be a force offensively while not committing any careless fouls. Cardwell, on the other hand, must find opportunities to find himself open for alley-oop dunks and make some good blocks on defenders to bring the Tigers some energy."
Charles Diegnan, Sports Writer: "Denver Jones. Jones will have big defensive responsibilities guarding Creighton's shooters and must step up offensively and get his shot back. He's shot 26% from three in his last four games and needs to find the bottom of the bucket a few times for Auburn."
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
