Auburn is set to face Illinois State on Thursday at Hinkle Fieldhouse in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) semifinals. Here's what our staff expects of the upcoming matchup:
Jackie Dominguez, Sports Editor: Auburn 85-76
Auburn has played well throughout this tournament, and I don't think this game will be the exception. The Tigers have a deep roster full of talent, which allows for several different combinations of lethal floor combinations. Illinois State will need to adjust defensively with every substitution, which I think will keep them on their heels for a bit, allowing Auburn to settle into a rhythm nicely. As long as the Tigers can keep up their defensive energy and performance, I don't see any reason why they would lose.
Reid Farris, Assistant Sports Editor: Auburn 86-78
Auburn will be taking on the Illinois State Redbirds in the NIT semifinals and will need solid performances for yet another week to keep its NIT Championship hopes alive. I think the Tigers' talent and offense will be too much to bear, led by Keyshawn Hall, who's still averaging 19.4 points per game. The Tigers will need to complete the job on the defensive end by limiting Redbirds' leading scorer Chase Walker, which I think they will be able to do.
Rory Garvin, Sports Reporter: Auburn 74-71
“It’s going to be a really cool atmosphere for our guys to be able to play in. I know they’re excited about it,” head coach Steven Pearl said.
I believe that playing at historic Hinkle Fieldhouse will give Auburn the boost it needs to take down Illinois State and move the Tigers one win away from securing their first-ever NIT banner.
Gunner Norene, Sports Writer: Auburn 77-70
The Tigers are set to face their fourth mid-major opponent in the NIT thus far, and it won't get any easier for Steven Pearl's squad on Thursday. Illinois State boasts a top-40 scoring defense nationally, averaging just 67.9 points allowed per game, meaning the Redbirds will certainly attempt to create havoc for Auburn's offense. The Redbirds also feature four guards who shoot 39.0% or better from 3-point range, which should be a point of emphasis for Auburn, considering its lackluster perimeter defense over the course of the season.
Ultimately, I think Auburn gets it done and advances to the program's first-ever NIT Championship game, but it won't be a light task by any stretch.
Will Dembo, Sports Writer: Auburn 79-73
Steven Pearl’s squad has performed well heading into the NIT semifinals, and I expect that momentum to continue with a trip to the championship on the line. Although Illinois State has caught fire recently, winning its last six of eight contests, I believe the Tigers' offense will be too much for the Redbirds to overcome, even with their recent defensive success.
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