Thursday, March 28

What does Auburn basketball’s early SEC exit mean for NCAA Tournament?


TAMPA, Florida — Buzz Williams buzzed-sawed Auburn basketball with a brilliant game plan in the SEC quarterfinals Friday, and the result was an upset 67-62 that might provide a blueprint for upsetting the Tigers in the NCAA Tournament.

“Statistically speaking, we would have no chance if we allowed them to do what they wanted to do inside,” the Texas A&M coach said. “So we had to defensively play inside-out.”

The Aggies collapsed on Auburn’s elite frontcourt duo of Walker Kessler and Jabari Smith. Texas A&M doesn’t have a forward taller than 6-foot-8 who plays more than 10 minutes per game, so “we don’t really have a rim protector” against the 7-1 Kessler and 6-10 Smith, Williams said . “And so I think the only thing that gave us a chance is: We did have to flood the channel.”

TAMPA, FLORIDA - MARCH 11: KD Johnson #0 of the Auburn Tigers shoots the ball against the Texas A&M Aggies during the first half in the Quarterfinal game of the SEC Men's Basketball Tournament at Amalie Arena on March 11, 2022 in Tampa, Florida.  (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Texas A&M’s frontcourt disadvantage didn’t matter: Bodies in the paint forced Auburn (27-5) to attempt a season-high 36 perimeter shots. The Tigers entered the SEC Tournament shooting 32.4% from 3-point range (No. 249 in the country). It’s one of very few weaknesses. On Friday, they shot 25% — a harsh reminder that even the best teams can only go as far as their shooters allow in the NCAA Tournament.


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