Stock risers following Auburn Basketball’s 28-point win over Indiana

The Tigers dominate the Hoosiers at Holiday Hoopsgiving.

Author:
Jeremy Robuck
Publish date:
Dec 10, 2023 2:43 PM EST

In this story:

Coach Bruce Pearl’s team traveled to Atlanta this weekend to take on a storied program in the Indiana Hoosiers. Both programs had large crowds in attendance in, which resulted in a festive atmosphere. The Hoosiers jumped out to a 16-6 lead to open the game on some excellent shooting and execution. The wheels would later fall off as Auburn went on a 42-14 run to close the half, eventually cruising to a 28-point victory.

This was a big win for the Tigers. Coming off of a tough road loss, hanging 100 on a blue blood really lights the fire back on Auburn’s season. Many Tigers have had rough nights and slow starts to the season thus far, exempting Johni Broome. Saturday, Broome finally had an off game. Here are a few stock risers that had excellent games in his place.

K.D. Johnson

Kadarius is streaky. There are moments when K.D. Johnson is the best player in college basketball. There may also be moments where he is near the bottom. K.D. Johnson embodies Auburn. His passion and emotion. He has great successes and failures. His highs and lows are epic. I traveled to Atlanta for this game and I must say watching K.D. Johnson’s run during this game was my favorite moment. His energy and excitement captured me. It was glorious. While Johnson may be inconsistent, the one thing I will say about him is that he is unafraid. When things aren’t going well for Auburn and the team is up against the ropes, Coach Bruce Pearl can put in K.D. Johnson. He will never be timid. He will never shy away, and he may right the ship through sheer strength of will. This happened Saturday during a precarious moment. Auburn captured the momentum and never looked back.

Jaylin Williams

It doesn’t happen often. Jaylin Williams is often timid. But when ‘Aggressive Jay’ comes to play, Auburn wins. Saturday was one of those days. Williams scored an efficient 24 points. There is no other word to describe his play offensively than aggressive. He didn’t overthink; he just hooped. If Jaylin Williams can catch a hot and confident streak in March, the Tigers can make a run. Until then, Auburn fans need to hope this type of confidence and play manifest consistently.

Aden Holloway

Wow. Hallelujah. This is what the Tigers need more than anything. Auburn Basketball’s hopes and true potential lie with Aden Holloway becoming a superstar. This was a step in that direction. I squinted from the stands and thought I saw Sharife Cooper. I saw a kid who was confident, who knew he was better than the guy across from him, and put on a show. If you haven’t seen the highlights, go watch them. Holloway had those poor Hoosier guards on skates. He had the trigger of Jared Harper on Saturday with an efficient 24 points of his own. He was 5-8 from three. This is a big deal for Auburn Basketball.