Takeaways from Auburn basketball’s 77-69 loss vs. No. 3 Alabama

The Tigers move to 17-8 on the season after failing to close the deal in Neville Arena.

Author:
Jeremy Robuck
Publish date:
Feb 11, 2023 4:49 PM EST

In this story:

The Auburn Tigers took on the most annoying and classless fanbase in sports this weekend but also their basketball team. The Tigers led for most of the game and played well enough to win, but ultimately fell short. It was an exciting few days on the plains as the campus hosted ESPN’s College Gameday for the 3rd year in a row. Here are a few takeaways from todays game.

Auburn controlled the pace

The Tigers slowed down the game today. They played great transition defense, and kept the Tide from running. Auburn played great on the offensive end and had many smart aggressive plays to get to the line. The game went every way Auburn wanted it to throughout much of the first half. Unfortunately, Alabama shot the ball extremely well at over 60%. Auburn was efficient offensively today with the exception of some bad isolation shots and overall shooting percentage. The Tigers defense struggled at times uncharacteristically.

Jaylin Williams and Wendell Green had a great games

Williams hit his first three shots from behind the arc and scored 16 points. Green led the team with 22 points, and Auburn really seemed to struggle when he was off the floor. Ultimately, it felt like like shooting percentage was the difference today. Bama shot 58% while Auburn shot 31%. Officiating was again a problem for the Tigers as the calls seemed to go against them throughout the game with no calls being the most egregious. However, the Tigers left the game close and despite leading for the vast majority of it were unable to bury the Tide. Auburn needs help closing games and is need of several great guards. Fortunately, the Tigers have three committed over the next two years.

Auburn hosted College Gameday

The Tigers are one of just two schools to host College gameday three years in a row. The other is Duke. Coach Bruce Pearl has thrust Auburn into the limelight. They are the winningest program in the conference over the last five years. Kentucky is down. Auburn is up. The lengthy run at the number 1 ranking last year sure did a lot for this program. Jabari Smith may have elevated Auburn’s program to a different level. Auburn has the best student section and home court advantage in the league. Auburn students again camped out in ‘Pearlville’ outside of Neville Arena for Gameday. Recruiting for upcoming seasons is looking fantastic. Auburn fans joke about being a blue blood already, who knows what this program could accomplish in the coming years.

Finally, here are some twitter reactions and highlights from tonight’s game