No. 1 Auburn looks to end its road losing streak of 37 years inside of Rupp Arena on Saturday afternoon as the top-ranked Tigers look to clinch a share of the SEC regular season title with a win against the No. 17 Kentucky Wildcats. Members of our sports staff answered a few questions about the historic matchup in the latest edition of Writers' Roundtable.
How can Auburn slow down Kentucky's offense?
Patrick Bingham, Sports Editor: "Yes, but it will take one of its best efforts all year for Auburn. I certainly think the guards have the ability to slow it down. Just look what they did to Alabama's guards."
Logan Fowler, Sports Reporter: "Not many have been able to accomplish that feat as the Wildcats walk into this one with the third-best scoring offense in the nation at 85.6 points per game, while also converting on 9.9 3-pointers per game, 26th nationally.
"Auburn must defend the 3-point line effectively - much like it did against the Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa - and it starts with locking down Kobe Brea, a 43.6 percent 3-point shooter. Additionally, keeping the Wildcats off the offensive glass and limiting second-chance opportunities will be crucial for the Tigers."
Gunner Norene, Sports Writer: "I believe Auburn can slow down Kentucky's offense by implementing a lot of the same game plan that was successful in its win over Alabama. If the Tigers' defense, led by Denver Jones, can run the Wildcats off the three-point line and make them have to face Broome and Cardwell down low, I think Auburn has a good shot at emerging victorious."
Who is a Wildcat Auburn needs to watch out for?
Patrick Bingham, Sports Editor: "Pearl talked about Otega Oweh a lot during the Friday press conference so I'll go with him. It'll be fun to watch his matchup."
Logan Fowler, Sports Reporter: "I mentioned him above, but I think Brea is one to watch. With the ability to catch fire from deep and take over a game with his outside shooting, he poses a huge threat for Tigers on Saturday."
Gunner Norene, Sports Writer: "I think Otega Oweh is one of many guys that Auburn needs to watch out for. The Oklahoma transfer has been electric for the Wildcats this season, leading the team in scoring and averaging 16.1 PPG and 4.8 RPG. Oweh most recently carried Kentucky to a win in Norman over his former team on Wednesday, posting 28 points and knocking down the game-winning shot in the final seconds of regulation. His explosiveness and athleticism could hurt the Tigers if they don't limit his production."
If Auburn wins it's because _________?
Patrick Bingham, Sports Editor: "The Tigers guards out play Kentucky's on both ends. I think Auburn's guards can go toe to toe with anyone defensively but if shots start falling down for Denver Jones, Miles Kelly and Chad Baker-Mazara the Tigers could make history on Saturday."
Logan Fowler, Sports Reporter: "It plays through Johni Broome. Kentucky has struggled defending big men down low this season and they haven't seen anyone like what they will see on Saturday in Broome."
Gunner Norene, Sports Writer: "Denver Jones plays well. The Tigers have proven to be more successful when Jones is playing and shooting at a high level. Considering how he guarded and locked down Mark Sears a couple of weeks ago, it'll be interesting to see him defend Kentucky's Lamont Butler and/or Otega Oweh. A strong perimeter effort from the backcourt as a whole will also open up opportunities for guys like Johni Broome and Chaney Johnson on both ends of the floor. If Jones performs how he did in Tuscaloosa, I think Auburn wins."
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.
