The Tigers are set to take on the Boilermakers, Saturday, December 21st at 3:30 PM at Legacy Arena.
The status of National Player of the year front runner, Johni Broome is the concern for Auburn fans. On Tuesday night, Broome suffered a right shoulder sprain against Georgia State at home earlier in the game. Per a school official, Johni is questionable for Saturday’s contest and his status remains day to day. Head Coach Bruce Pearl mentioned Broome suffered a similar injury last season.
Out of all the Quad 1 opportunities Auburn has and won this season, resting Broome would be wise with larger goals at stake. However, assuming the Tigers will be non-competitive without him is false. Purdue lacks a dominant big man and relies on guard, Braden Smith to run the offense.
The emergence of Chaney Johnson earlier this week is a good sign. The former UAH forward erupted for his career high in an Auburn uniform with 28. The presence of a tough shot maker in Chad-Baker Mazara is valuable as ever against a hard nosed team such as Purdue. Denver Jones has recently been shooting over 50% from beyond the arc in his last several games, that will need to continue. Working Miles Kelly into rhythm alongside Denver is a must. Tahaad is a great scorer but unlike those two, he works best in isolation possessions.
Trouble for Auburn will be on the defensive end. Purdue has a higher end offensive rating of 121.4 per KenPom analytics. The offensive flows the best when Braden Smith can work off pick and rolls and get to his potent mid range jumper. That is concerning because Chaney/Dylan and Tahaad will be the defenders tasked with guarding this action, all three consistently find themselves in foul trouble. Tahaad often makes freshman mistakes, too handsy on ball and often unnecessarily hand checks. Dylan occasionally forgets just how large and strong his frame is, and Chaney gets one of the worst whistles in the country due to his freak athleticism and strength. Regardless those three must stay in the game especially Dylan. It is imperative he plays extended minutes regardless of Johni’s availability. I assume even if he plays it will be limited.
This is a good game for the team to build some confidence individually. It will require playing as a team but some strong personal performances are needed. Especially in the front court, if Chaney and Dylan play well, there is no reason Auburn should lose to this Purdue team.
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