As the anticipation built for Auburn’s season opener against the University of Vermont, head coach Bruce Pearl expressed his apprehensions regarding the matchup. Citing the team’s similarities to Yale, he highlighted the importance of not reliving the disappointment Auburn faced in their solitary NCAA Tournament appearance last season.
Wednesday night unfolded in stark contrast to the heartbreaking game against Yale. Auburn showcased a commanding performance, steamrolling Vermont with a decisive 94-43 victory, marking a triumphant start to the season at 1-0.
The contest was never within reach for Vermont, as Auburn relentlessly maintained its offensive pressure throughout the game. Although Vermont is not expected to be one of the elite teams on Auburn’s schedule this season, their previous NCAA Tournament experience made them a formidable opponent not to be underestimated.
Here are three key takeaways from Wednesday’s emphatic victory:
Auburn dictated the pace
Leading up to the game, Pearl warned his team about Vermont’s exceptional ball control and anticipated fewer scoring opportunities than in Auburn’s previous game against Florida Atlantic.
In their opener, Vermont only turned the ball over five times, but that number skyrocketed in the first half against Auburn. The Catamounts committed 12 turnovers in the opening frame alone, which allowed Auburn to capitalize and score 18 points, propelling the Tigers to a hefty 46-21 halftime lead.
Auburn’s athletic superiority was evident from the outset, as they skillfully prevented Vermont from establishing a rhythm in the half-court offense. The Tigers displayed tenacious ball defense, denying Vermont any opportunities to exploit dribble penetration, a tactic that had been effective against UAB in previous encounters.
The 3-point shooting is there
While it’s still early in the season, the addition of sharp shooters like JP Pegues and Miles Kelly is already showing potential returns for Auburn.
The dynamic duo combined to make multiple 3-pointers, while also receiving support from teammates Johni Broome, Chad Baker Mazara, Denver Jones, and Chaney Johnson, leading to a total of 16 successful 3-point shots as a unit.
Miles Kelly stood out with an impressive performance, scoring an eye-catching 21 points and sinking seven 3-pointers out of nine attempts. At one point, he went on a scoring spree, netting five consecutive 3-pointers, thereby reinforcing his reputation as potentially Auburn’s premier shooter.
As a collective, Auburn boasted an impressive 46% shooting rate from beyond the arc. While this statistic may not be sustainable throughout the season, it provides a promising glimpse into the explosive potential this team possesses when firing on all cylinders. It’s worth noting that not all of these shots were uncontested; skillful shooting was on display.
Vermont had demonstrated strong 3-point defense earlier, notably holding UAB to a dismal 0-for-10 from long range. The presence of natural shooters significantly enhances the offensive strategy, making it challenging for opponents to defend against Auburn, even when faced with tougher competition.
The defense is active
One of the most unexpected aspects of the game was Auburn’s ability to force an impressive number of turnovers. Vermont, which ranked ninth in the nation last season for the fewest turnovers per game with an average of 9.1, surprisingly finished with 16 turnovers against Auburn, matching its season high from the previous campaign.
In the first half alone, Auburn capitalized on Vermont’s 12 turnovers, scoring 18 points as a direct result. The Tigers utilized aggressive ball pressure, implemented some full-court press, and employed swift hands to disrupt passing lanes, creating significant challenges for Vermont throughout the game.
Auburn’s notable edge in athleticism allowed them to generate a flurry of turnovers, a feat that may not be replicable in every matchup they face. Nevertheless, being able to disrupt a team as methodical as Vermont speaks volumes about Auburn’s defensive capabilities.
To summarize, limiting any team to a meager 43 points is an undeniably positive way to kick off the season.
Peter Rauterkus covers Auburn sports for AL.com. You can follow him on X at @peter_rauterkus or email him at prauterkus@al.com
**Interview with Auburn Basketball Analyst, Jamie Wilkins**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Jamie. First off, what were your thoughts on Auburn’s impressive 94-43 win against Vermont in their season opener?
**Jamie Wilkins:** It was a statement game for Auburn. After last season’s disappointing NCAA tournament run, the team really came out strong, demonstrating they mean business this year. The final score doesn’t just reflect a win; it shows how effectively they controlled the game from start to finish.
**Interviewer:** Coach Bruce Pearl expressed concerns about Vermont, especially their ball control. How do you think Auburn adjusted to that challenge?
**Jamie Wilkins:** Absolutely, those concerns were justified given Vermont’s previous NCAA experience. However, Auburn’s defensive strategy was phenomenal. They forced Vermont into 12 turnovers in the first half alone, which disrupted their rhythm completely. Auburn’s athleticism and tenacity really shone through, preventing Vermont from executing their game plan.
**Interviewer:** Miles Kelly’s performance stood out, scoring 21 points with seven 3-pointers. How significant is his contribution to the team moving forward?
**Jamie Wilkins:** Miles Kelly is emerging as a key player for Auburn. His shooting ability opens up the floor for the rest of the team, and if he can maintain that kind of production, it will be incredibly beneficial as they face tougher competition down the line. The fact that he hit five consecutive 3-pointers shows he’s capable of taking over games.
**Interviewer:** Auburn finished with a remarkable 46% shooting rate from beyond the arc. How sustainable do you think this shooting performance is?
**Jamie Wilkins:** While a 46% rate is exceptional, it might be unrealistic to expect that throughout the season. However, the fact that they have multiple shooters like Kelly, JP Pegues, and even Johni Broome stepping up creates a dynamic offense. If they can maintain that team shooting ability and make good shot selections, they’ll keep defenses on their heels.
**Interviewer:** how crucial is it for Auburn to build on this momentum as the season progresses?
**Jamie Wilkins:** Building momentum early in the season is critical, especially after last year’s challenges. Winning convincingly like this not only boosts confidence but also sets a tone for the rest of the season. If Auburn can continue to defend well, execute their offense, and showcase their depth, I think they can make a significant impact in the SEC and aim for a deeper NCAA run this time around.
**Interviewer:** Thanks, Jamie, for sharing your insights! It looks like Auburn has set a strong foundation for the season ahead.
