Auburn, Ala - Auburn and Virginia Tech played in both teams' first game of the new ACC vs SEC challenge at Neville Arena Wednesday night. This was the first time since December 21, 1999, that both teams have faced each other on the basketball court, and it certainly was an exciting game.
Like all basketball games though, it had to come to an end and Auburn never trailed in the game eventually winning 74-57, being one of six SEC teams to defeat their ACC opponent in the SEC vs ACC Challenge.
"It was entertaining. Kids are playing hard and we can play, and we can play better offensively," Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl said.
It was entertaining, but it was easy to see where Auburn could do better offensively.
Overall, Auburn shot 38.7% from the field and 12.5% from three, and despite having two players, Johni Broome, and Chad Baker-Mazara, score in the double digits, no one else on Auburn had more than 10 points.
Despite Auburn's challenges on offense, its defense was extremely solid, forcing Virginia Tech to commit 21 turnovers compared to Auburn's eight turnovers which allowed for many breakaway opportunities that Auburn took great advantage of.
"They turn the ball over eight times a game," Pearl said. "This was a good matchup for us the way they played."
This shows that even if the offense does not play to the best of its ability, a great defensive performance can help win a basketball game.
"They get after you, they get with the ball and their length is real," Virginia Tech head coach Mike Young even said.
This just goes to show how well the Tiger's defense performed tonight, which allowed for easy offensive opportunities with multiple breakaways.
Even though Auburn still has some work to do on the offense, Johni Broome and Chad Baker-Mazara had fantastic games tonight and were the stars of the show in yesterday's basketball game.
Broome had a double-double in yesterday's game with 30 points and 13 rebounds, seven offensive and six defensive rebounds, and Baker-Mazara had 15 points, four rebounds, and two assists in the game against Virginia Tech.
"My teammates encouraged me to go get it, and seeing my teammates be more excited than I am makes me feel great," Broome said.
"We were really good when he's on the floor because he knows how to play. He just has stuff you can't teach," on Baker-Mazara, Pearl said.
Baker-Mazara is certainly a staple of both Auburn's offense and defens, making the first year Auburn man a player to watch out for.
Auburn is back in action this Sunday against Appalachian State. The Tigers travel to Boone, North Carolina, where tipoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. and broadcasting on ESPN2 and the Auburn Sports Network.
