Bruce Pearl gives warning to Auburn team over turnover issues
Auburn has been one of the top college basketball teams in the country throughout the 2021-22 season, but that doesn’t mean the Tigers have been perfect. Currently sitting at 24-3 overall with a 12-2 mark in SEC play, Auburn could possibly be undefeated if it took better care of the basketball and limited its turnovers.
Turnovers played a crucial role in the Tigers’ 63-62 upset loss to Florida on Saturday – there’s no question about it. Although it was an evenly-played game, it most likely wouldn’t have been if Auburn hadn’t have committed 17 total turnovers, which led to multiple scoring possessions for the Gators.
Following Saturday’s loss to Florida, Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl met with the media and offered his thoughts on the Tigers’ turnover troubles – saying that his team must clean it up if they want to make a run during tournament time.
“Yeah, it was bad,” Pearl said. “We just didn’t pass it very well. Sloppy, didn’t execute. … And if we don’t execute in our half-court offense better, it’ll just limit how far we can go. Too many – too many – throw the ball out-out-bounds and crazy stuff. Gotta be able to take care of the basketball.”
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Following its setback, No. 3 ranked Auburn returns to action Wednesday at home against Ole Miss – with tipoff scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET on the SEC Network.
KenPom predicts outcome of final four regular season Auburn games
In terms of KenPom, Auburn’s final four regular season games have been predicted – and the numbers are mostly in favor of the Tigers. Here’s a look at how KenPom sees Bruce Pearl’s club matching up in their next four outings, beginning Wednesday at home against the Ole Miss Rebels.
KenPom’s predictions for Auburn’s next four games
1.) vs. Ole Miss, Wednesday, Feb. 23: The Tigers are predicted to win 78-62, with a 92% chance.
2.) at Tennessee, Saturday, Feb. 26: The Tigers are predicted to lose 71-68, with a 41% chance to win.
3.) at Mississippi State, Wednesday, March 2: The Tigers are predicted to win 73-69, with a 63% chance.
4.) vs. South Carolina, Saturday, March 5: The Tigers are predicted to win 79-63, with a 92% chance.
If KenPom’s predictions are correct, Auburn will have an overall record of 27-4 with a 15-3 mark in SEC play heading into the SEC Tournament in mid-March.