Auburn Hosts Texas A&M in Tuesday’s SEC Home Opener

Auburn’s basketball team is set to face Texas A&M in their SEC home opener on Tuesday. This matchup is particularly important as the Aggies arrive with a revamped roster and coaching staff.

Auburn Welcomes Texas A&M for SEC Home Opener

Newly appointed head coach Bucky McMillan, previously from Samford and Mountain Brook High School, has brought a fast-paced style termed “Bucky Ball” to Texas A&M. The Aggies currently average 94.7 points per game, ranking fifth nationally.

Auburn coach Steven Pearl noted the Aggies’ aggressive approach. “They try to speed you up, defensively. They’re going to press for 40 minutes,” Pearl explained.

Auburn’s Recent Performance

In their SEC opener, Auburn narrowly lost to No. 23 Georgia, ending the game 104-100 in overtime. This experience highlighted areas needing improvement.

• Auburn made 127 defensive mistakes during the game.
• The Tigers were up by three in overtime and lost possession.
• They missed 12 free throws, which could have altered the outcome.

“If we cut down on some of our defensive mistakes and make a few more free throws, we could have secured the win,” Pearl emphasized.

Key Players to Watch

Auburn’s freshmen forwards, Filip Jovic and Sebastian Williams-Adams, will be pivotal in the upcoming game. Together, they average 13.2 points and 8.5 rebounds per game.

• Filip Jovic recorded his first career double-double against Georgia with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
• He has emerged as a standout defender, excelling against both guards and big men.
• Williams-Adams aims to be decisive in handling Texas A&M’s press, which is essential for Auburn’s offensive success.

“Indecisiveness when teams press you will kill you. Be aggressive,” Williams-Adams stated regarding the upcoming match.

Game Details

Auburn, holding a record of 9-5 and 0-1 in the conference, will host Texas A&M, which currently holds an 11-3 record and is 1-0 in the SEC. The game is scheduled for 8 p.m. CST and will be broadcast on the SEC Network.

Andy Burcham and Randall Dickey will provide commentary for the Auburn Sports Network. This game represents a crucial opportunity for Auburn, aiming to secure their third victory over Texas A&M at home.

Coach Pearl expressed excitement about the matchup, saying, “Looking forward to being back in front of our fans in the Jungle. It’s all in there. It’s just a matter of us bringing it out and collectively doing it for 40 minutes.”