Takeaways from Auburn basketball’s NCAA tournament win over Iowa
The Auburn Tigers won their first round game tonight over the 8 seeded Iowa Hawkeyes. Auburn led by differing amounts throughout the game, but really felt like the better team throughout. After struggling from the field in the first half, Auburn put up 50 points in the 2nd half behind a 19 point performance from Johni Broome. Here are a few takeaways from tonight’s game.
The NCAA Tournament is here
Read that again. In a down year, Auburn has made the NCAA Tournament. I remember not long ago when Auburn fans would have done anything to play in the big dance. It is now the expectation, but no one should take that for granted. What Bruce Pearl has done at Auburn is incredible. This is the greatest period in the history of Auburn Basketball. Enjoy it.
Shooting Woes
It was ugly. In the first half, both teams combined to shoot 1-18 from behind the arc. No one shot the ball well for Auburn early, continuing a general trend throughout much of the year. Johni Broome was 4-8 from the floor and really the only bright spot early for the Tigers. Rock fight is a term Auburn fans are now very familiar with. Defensive battles have become the norm. The Tigers will need to catch fire on offense to make a deep run in this tournament.
This Auburn team is good
Yes, they cannot shoot, and can look bad at times on the offensive end. However, this Tiger team is long, super athletic, and talented. They are incredibly gifted on the defensive end. They have great chemistry in stretches. This team may have glaring weaknesses and struggle to rebound at times, but the Auburn Tigers are capable of being a really good team and beating anyone in this tournament.
Finally, here are some twitter reactions and highlights from tonight’s game
