Auburn has endured just a few shut calls these days.
However the unanimous No. 1 crew within the Related Press High 25 ballot has gained 11 consecutive video games heading into its Southeastern Convention contest in opposition to LSU on Wednesday evening in Baton Rouge, La.
Auburn (18-1, 6-0) had one among its most tough and satisfying wins when it scored the ultimate six factors of the sport to rally previous then-No. 6 and visiting Tennessee 53-51 on Saturday.
“We will play higher, and we had been nonetheless in a position to beat an awesome crew,” Auburn coach Bruce Pearl stated. “We have gained 4 of the final six video games within the final possession. It may be a battle each evening.”
In Auburn’s previous three highway video games, it defeated Georgia by two factors, South Carolina by three and Texas by 5. Tigers star ahead Johni Broome missed the win in opposition to Georgia and an 88-66 dwelling victory in opposition to Mississippi State due to an ankle damage however returned in opposition to Tennessee.
“It was a tough one, however we received it carried out,” stated Broome, who led his crew with 16 factors, 14 rebounds and 4 blocked photographs in 33 minutes vs. the Volunteers.
Broome received one among his two assists on a 3-pointer by Miles Kelly that gave Auburn the lead for good with 30 seconds remaining.
Along with all that Broome did to assist his crew on the courtroom Saturday evening, Pearl praised “what Johni did together with his rehab all week to have the ability to come out and have an effect on successful a lot.”
“All he cared about was successful,” Pearl stated. “As a pacesetter, it is one other assertion.”
Regardless that Broome has returned, Pearl is aware of Auburn has to enhance with the intention to keep on prime.
“The massive secret’s you’ll be able to’t get too excessive or too low,” Pearl stated. “We have got to get higher. I’ve received to do a greater job. The guide is out on all people. What’s Plan B? What’s Plan C? We have got to give you it.”
LSU (12-7, 1-5) is close to the underside of the SEC however had an encouraging efficiency in opposition to then-No. 4 Alabama for 40 minutes earlier than falling 80-73 on Saturday in Tuscaloosa.
“Dissatisfied with the consequence, however I positively assume we received higher as a crew,” LSU coach Matt McMahon stated. “I actually appreciated our preparation and the mindset. I assumed our guys got here to compete and got here to get into the struggle. I beloved the physicality that we performed with within the first half.”
The rating was tied after a primary half, by which LSU ahead Corey Chest grabbed 15 of his 18 rebounds.
“That is pretty much as good a rebounding efficiency I’ve seen in a half of basketball,” McMahon stated.
LSU could not sustain with Alabama within the second half, getting outscored 50-43 whereas going 1-for-11 on 3-pointers to complete 3-for-23.
However McMahon was happy together with his crew’s enchancment in ball safety, which has been a serious drawback in SEC play.
LSU averages 4.2 extra turnovers per recreation than its SEC opponents, however it matched Alabama’s 14 turnovers and completed with a 17-11 benefit in factors off turnovers.
–Area Degree Media
