Basketball
Auburn's Coach Pearl: Respect Led to Blowout vs. Ohio State
2024-12-14
Auburn basketball has been on a remarkable streak, recently showcasing its dominance with a resounding 91 - 53 win over Ohio State. This victory firmly established the Tigers as a force to be reckoned with, leaving the Buckeyes in awe of their prowess. The Tigers demonstrated why they hold the No. 2 position in the nation, raining down an impressive 13 threes with a remarkable 43.3% shooting accuracy while holding OSU to just 35.3% shooting from the field.

Coach Pearl's Insights on the Margin of Victory

After his team's convincing win, Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl attributed one significant factor to their large 38 - point margin. In his postgame press conference, Pearl emphasized, "I think part of the reason for the margin is our respect for Ohio State. Our respect for the program." This respect seems to have translated into a cohesive and dominant performance on both ends of the floor.

Season Performance and National Championship Hopes

Stacked with two - way talent, Auburn's squad has played exceptional basketball through the first 10 games of the season. Their latest win not only solidified their dominance but also set a new record for the largest margin of victory against a high - major opponent. According to the updated KenPom college basketball rankings, the Tigers have an incredible +35.01 net rating this season, making them one of the heavy favorites to win a national championship in March.

Johni Broome's Historic 20 - 20 Game

Auburn big man Johni Broome continues to make a strong case for the Naismith College Player of the Year award. In a remarkable feat, he posted the first 20 - 20 game by a Tiger since 1989. Against Ohio State, Broome exploded for 21 points and 20 rebounds on 9/18 shooting. In addition to his scoring and rebounding, he added six assists and three blocks, showcasing his all - around game. He is the only Division I player this season to finish a game with at least 20 points, 15 rebounds, and five assists, and he has already achieved this feat three times in just ten contests. Broome is also the first player in NCAA history to record 20 points, 20 rebounds, and five assists with zero turnovers.Despite his historic stat line, Broome was not completely satisfied with his performance. He admitted, "I missed a lot of shots. I feel like I can get better." Indeed, he did miss nine shots, as pointed out by Coach Pearl after the game. However, his 6 - foot - 10 stature and skill set make him a force to be reckoned with, and it's terrifying to think about how much better he can play.

Upcoming Challenges and Fan Support

The college basketball world should be on high alert with Auburn in this form. The red - hot Tigers will look to maintain their winning streak and aim for a 10 - 1 record on Dec. 17 when they host Georgia State in front of their passionate Neville Arena fans. The team's chemistry and talent make them a formidable opponent, and fans can expect more exciting performances from Auburn in the coming games.
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