Auburn, Ala. – Auburn will begin what is possibly the toughest stretch of games this season against Kentucky. The Tigers will travel to Lexington this Saturday to try and steal a win at Rupp Arena for the first time in 35 years.
“It’s going to take a lot, I look at Kentucky as one of the best teams in the conference,” Auburn guard Zep Jasper said. “As a team we have to play harder and tougher. It’s one of those games we just have to win.”
Kentucky has improved throughout recent weeks, claiming three consecutive wins. The most impressive which was a 66-54 victory over Tennessee.
The Wildcats are led by star forward Oscar Tshiebwe. The senior is viewed as one of the most complete players in the nation and will pose a tall task for Auburn, especially Johni Broome, as he has 15 double doubles this season.
“It will be a great matchup between Johni Broome and [Oscar] Tshiebwe,” Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl said. “He is a handful and the best rebounder in college basketball”
Rebounding will be a big emphasis for Auburn if they want to have a chance to come away with a win. Tshiebwe currently ranks second in the nation with 12.7 rebounds per game. The forward has helped Kentucky rank ninth in the nation for offensive rebounds, so Auburn will have to be clinical when boxing out no matter who is on the floor.
“This will diffidently be a game that we will have to be boxing out and finding our men,” Auburn guard Allan Flanigan said.
In addition to exceptional defensive play, the Congo native is a lethal scorer on the offensive end for his size, averaging a team-high 12.7 points per game.
Kentucky has had success when all eyes are focused on Tshiebwe, which has allowed for others on the team to make an impact in a big way.
Antonio Reeves plays a big part in the Wildcats offense because of this. The guard averages 13.1 points per game while shooting 41.6% from behind the arc. Reeves will be a big focus for Auburn’s guards as he has the ability to impact the game from any angle.
Auburn’s Allen Flanigan has been able to prevent opposing guards from contributing in big games recently, which is exactly what Pearl’s team needs in this game.
“He looks like he is flying like he was a couple years ago. He is really playing well,” Pearl said. “Right now, Al is playing as one of the best big guards in the league, which we need him to do to have a chance to win.”
Kentucky is very similar to Auburn when it comes to transition play. The Wildcats will send multiple players to the glass and look for the quick outlet pass to get down the court for an easy basket. The key to stopping that for Auburn will be getting shot blockers back, specifically Dylan Cardwell and Broome, before the ball gets there.
Rupp Arena will pose a challenge for Auburn, much like throughout the history of the two teams facing off. The last time the Tigers won in Lexington was in 1988, which was 35 years ago.
“We talk about the fact we have not won there in 35 years, but also remind them we beat them four of the last six,” Pearl said.
Kentucky fans will also be sure to make it hard for Auburn in all aspects of the game with the atmosphere.
“It is a big building; their fans are loud,” Pearl said. “It is a place that appreciates great basketball.”
It will be a tall task for Auburn to come away with a victory, but not impossible. Tip-off is scheduled for 3 p.m. CT with broadcasting by CBS.
