Auburn basketball leaps into the No. 4 spot in the country after beating Florida on Saturday, making that Auburn’s 11th straight win, and the country is now becoming more aware of it. It ties the highest AP poll ranking in Bruce Pearl’s time at Auburn.
The Tigers climbed 5 spots to No. 4, which marks only the second time in 22 years this has happened. Auburn has been all about making history under Pearl.
The Tigers hosted Florida coming off their 10th straight victory, beating them 85-73. Auburn was already heavily favored to win, and they didn’t disappoint the fans at Auburn Arena or those watching on ESPN2. The Tigers held a sizable lead at halftime, but the Gators cut that lead to three points in the second half before Auburn basketball pulled away again.
📈 still climbing!
— Auburn Basketball (@AuburnMBB) January 10, 2022
Up to No. 4️⃣ in the @AP_Top25 and @USATODAY Coaches Poll!#WarEagle pic.twitter.com/n1yJKS378f
K.D. Johnson led the way with 23 points and 3 steals, followed by forward Jabari Smith shooting for 13 points, 5, rebounds, and 2 assists. The bench came alive in this Gator matchup for Auburn.
Jaylin Williams scored a season-high 14 points on 5-6 field goals, with 3 rebounds and 2 blocks. Guard Wendell Green Jr. came strong off the bench as well, tacking on 13 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists. Last game, Green came off the bench with 22 points against South Carolina where they won 81-66. This type of depth for Auburn is what is going to take them far come March.
Kentucky is usually at the head of the pack in the SEC, but Auburn has a thing or two to say about this season. We are only nine weeks in but with the deep bench, strong starters, and Bruce Pearl believing in his players and vice versa, this team could go further than they ever have before. Not only are they working hard and winning, but they are having so much fun doing it. When you can find that balance then it is the true mark of a championship team.
Auburn takes on the now unranked Alabama Crimson Tide on Tuesday. Don’t miss a second of the action to see if the Tigers can extend the winning streak to 12 straight. Tip-off is at 9 p.m/8 p.m CT from Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa.