NORMAN, Okla. - Auburn's basketball squad is finding themselves in a defensive rut, and it's becoming a recurring nightmare. Tuesday night's game against Oklahoma kicked off with a familiar scene: Auburn's defense let Nijel Pack, a sharpshooter who's been torching the SEC from beyond the arc, sink an open 3-pointer right out of the gate.
Pack, a seasoned veteran, has been a pivotal player in Oklahoma's sporadic league victories. Auburn's early lapse in defense set the tone for what would be a challenging night.
Head coach Steven Pearl expressed his frustration, noting that this marked the fifth occurrence in nine games where Auburn allowed an opening 3-pointer. The Tigers have struggled in these scenarios, managing just one win in such games.
In their recent losses to Alabama, Vanderbilt, Mississippi State, and now Oklahoma, Auburn's opponents have been blistering from downtown, shooting a staggering 51.6%. Pearl admitted to being at a loss for solutions, as these early defensive mistakes continue to haunt his team.
Auburn's defensive efficiency has been a clear indicator of their success. When the Tigers hold opponents below a certain threshold, they win.
But against Oklahoma, they allowed an offensive efficiency of 137.2, one of their worst defensive showings this season. Oklahoma, not even a tournament contender, capitalized on Auburn's defensive woes, shooting an eye-popping 68.4% from three-point range.
Pearl took responsibility but emphasized the need for his team to eliminate mental errors. Despite repeated warnings, Auburn's defense kept making the same mistakes, helping off shooters and failing to close out effectively.
Offensively, Auburn wasn't much better, committing 14 turnovers. Keyshawn Hall's six turnovers overshadowed his 26-point effort, and Tahaad Pettiford struggled mightily, shooting just 1-9 from the field. KeShawn Murphy, who had been instrumental in their win over Kentucky, was largely ineffective due to foul trouble.
Kevin Overton was a bright spot, delivering a stellar 26-point performance without taking a breather. Without his contributions, Auburn might have faced an even more lopsided defeat.
The defensive lapses have become the norm for Auburn, and Pearl knows the stakes are high. With their tournament hopes hanging by a thread, Saturday's game is a must-win. Pearl urged his team to play with desperation and hunger, a stark contrast to their entitled performance against Oklahoma.
Auburn's season now hinges on their ability to tighten up defensively and execute when it matters most. The Tigers need to reverse their fortunes quickly, or they risk missing the NCAA Tournament for the first time in five years.
Here are four observations from Auburn’s 91-79 loss at Oklahoma:
- Defensive Struggles: Auburn's defense has been inconsistent, and their poor performances are becoming the norm. The team needs to find a way to lock down opponents, especially from three-point range.
- Turnover Troubles: The Tigers' offensive execution was marred by turnovers, which have been a persistent issue. Cleaning up their play will be crucial moving forward.
- Key Performances: Kevin Overton's resilience and scoring ability were standout aspects in an otherwise tough game. His effort kept Auburn competitive.
- Urgency Required: With tournament hopes on the line, Auburn must find a way to channel their desperation into focused, effective play on both ends of the court.