Coming off the news that the Auburn Tigers (24-2, 12-1 SEC) would be dropping in the AP Poll for the first time in three weeks, the No. 2 Tigers were hungry for the visiting Vanderbilt Commodores (13-12 4-8 SEC). Although the challenge was rough for the Tigers thanks to a near perfect start from Vanderbilt and a star studded performance from Scotty Pippen Jr., the Tigers were still able to pull out a 94-80 win thanks to a combination of great performances from Jabari Smith and Walker Kessler, and domination from the second half.
Vanderbilt’s Myles Stute got the game started with a big three that started a snowball effect which led to the Commodores going on an 11-point run that put the 14-point favorite Auburn in big trouble. This heat was carried throughout the entire first half until around the last minute of the first half when Walker Kessler sank two free throws that gave the Tigers there first lead of the game, and was a lead that would not be given back up, as the Tigers ended the first half up 42-38
When asked about how the Tigers were able to recover from the bad start, Auburn’s Walker Kessler said, “we did what we do best, play hard and play for each other.”
Walker Kessler with 22 points, seven rebounds, and seven blocks, certainly played hard. However the real star of the game was someone that is at the top of many people’s draft boards, Jabari Smith. The freshman sensation went off with 31 points, four rebounds, and was 7-10 from three-point range. I could go on and on about how beautiful his jump shot is, or how graceful his defensive play was, but I think the best way to put it belongs to words of a random Auburn fan in section 117 “That’s how you hoop 10.”
The Auburn Tigers completely dominated the second half as the Tigers shot 71% from the field in the second half in comparison to the Commoners shooting 40%, however something that was impressive was how into the game the crowd was throughout the game especially in the second half as it seemed that every time Scotty Pippen Jr. touched the ball the Jungle would let him hear it.
Scotty Pippen Jr. responded with a fantastic game with 29 points, seven rebounds, and six assists.
Overall, despite the bad start, Head Coach Bruce Pearl felt good about his team, especially his frontcourt stating, “it’s the best frontcourt I’ve ever had” and “I’m a lot better Coach with great players and I’ve got some great ones.” This team is sure to be pushing for a deep run in March, but first I think they would like to reclaim there No. 1 national spot before they get there, and too do so they must win each game they play, and their next challenge is February 19 in Gainesville, Florida to take on the Gators.
