Bruce Pearl comments on importance of 2-0 week on road for Auburn

The Auburn Tigers have put together five straight wins in SEC play, most recently handling business in two straight away games with dominant performances against LSU and South Carolina. The win margin in both matchups favored the Tigers by 15-plus points, the first time Auburn has done so in back-to-back conference road games since 1966. And head coach Bruce Pearl attributed the successful road trip to the experience of players like Johni Broome, Allen Flanigan, Jaylin Williams, and Zep Jasper.

“Played well early both times, I honestly think the experience of Johni’s third year, Al’s fourth year, Jaylin’s fourth year, Zep’s seventh,” Pearl laughed and said. “But don’t underestimate the importance of a guy like Zep Jasper.

There’s no question the Tigers bring a ton of experience to the table, boasting a starting lineup with loaded with veteran upperclassmen players. One of those starters is Zep Jasper, a senior who may not make a ton of noise in the box score averaging 3.5 points per game, but makes a big impact according to Pearl, especially on the defensive end of the floor.

“Zep just plays such good defense, and is so unselfish, and defends without fouling, picked up a big charge early, he makes us better with him out there on the floor. It’s more for him,” Pearl said pointing to Broome,” And more fo Al, and more for Wendell (Green), more for Jalen.”

Auburn’s defense has been stellar during their winning streak holding their last five opponents to an average of 62 points per game, most notably having their best defensive performance in conference play this season versus LSU holding the Tigers to just 49 points. The Tiger’s rank third in the conference in points allowed, fifth in rebounds, and first in blocks with an impressive 5.9 blocks per game, which also ranks fourth in the country.

The Tigers also had one of their strongest offensive showings of the season in their last game against South Carolina, defeating the Gamecocks 81-66 led by a season-high 27 points from Broome.

There’s no question that No. 6 ranked Auburn is playing some of their best basketball of the season, leaning on their veterans to produce and having them answer the bell. Hopefully, the Tigers can continue to build on their momentum, as they head back home for their next matchup on Wednesday when they take on Texas A&M at 9:00 p.m. ET in a game airing on ESPN2.