Auburn, AL – November 25, 2024
Bruce Pearl Reflects on Auburn’s Win Over UNA:
Auburn men’s basketball coach Bruce Pearl expressed satisfaction after his team’s dominant performance against the University of North Alabama (UNA) on Saturday. The Tigers came away with a resounding 82-56 victory, improving their record to 6-1 on the season.
“The guys played with great energy, especially on the defensive end,” Pearl said after the game. “We’re still finding our rhythm offensively, but the way we controlled the game from start to finish was impressive. UNA is a scrappy team, but we imposed our will early and never let up.”
Auburn’s defense, which has been a focal point of Pearl’s coaching philosophy, was on full display. The Tigers held UNA to just 35% shooting from the field and forced 16 turnovers. Offensively, Auburn was led by sophomore guard Zep Jasper, who scored 18 points, while senior forward Johni Broome added a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
“We’ve got a lot of talent, but we still have to build chemistry,” Pearl continued. “It’s great to see our effort translate into a win, but we have a long way to go before we’re where we need to be.”
Auburn’s next challenge comes against a tough opponent in their upcoming game next week, as they prepare for the SEC slate.
Hugh Freeze Previews Auburn’s Upcoming Matchup Against Texas A&M:
On the football side, Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze addressed the media ahead of the Tigers’ upcoming showdown against Texas A&M in a crucial SEC matchup.
Auburn (6-5, 3-4 SEC) will face the Aggies (7-4, 4-3 SEC) at Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday in a game that could significantly impact the Tigers’ bowl game positioning. After a narrow win over Western Kentucky in Week 12, Freeze acknowledged that his team has work to do to finish the regular season strong.
“Texas A&M is a talented team, no doubt about it,” Freeze said. “They’ve got athletes all over the field, especially on defense. We know that if we’re going to have a chance to win, we need to execute much better offensively. We’ve been inconsistent at times this year, but this is a game where we have to put it all together.”
The Aggies, led by head coach Jimbo Fisher, have struggled offensively at times this season, but their defense has been a constant threat, ranking among the top in the SEC. Texas A&M boasts a fierce defensive line, which Freeze said will be a key challenge for Auburn’s offensive line.
“They get pressure with four, and they can cover with the secondary. That makes it tough,” Freeze noted. “We’ve got to make quick decisions, control the clock, and keep their defense off balance.”
Freeze also highlighted the importance of Auburn’s senior class in this final home game of the regular season. Quarterback Payton Thorne and running back Jarquez Hunter will be key in leading the offense, while defensive leaders like linebacker Austin Keys will play a critical role in stopping A&M’s playmakers.
Auburn’s offense will also be looking to avoid turnovers, which have been an issue at times this season. Freeze made it clear that protecting the ball and staying disciplined will be paramount in their efforts to close the season with a win.
“We have a chance to finish strong, and we’re not taking it lightly,” Freeze concluded. “This is a big opportunity for us, and we want to send our seniors out with a victory at home.”
Looking Ahead:
The Auburn Tigers basketball team will face a tough stretch as they continue to build momentum heading into conference play, while the football team will look to close out the regular season with a win against Texas A&M. Fans can expect another exciting week of Auburn sports action as both programs aim to finish strong in their respective seasons.
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