Auburn basketball game recap: Arkansas Razorbacks

Issa dub. We came. We saw. We conquered. Auburn basketball got its biggest win of the season Saturday night with a HUGE win over the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Bruce Pearl’s squad had just good enough of a shooting night to put up some points. The defense was back to its regularly scheduled level of stifling. All in all, the Tigers got back on track and made sure that the Georgia game got left in the rear view mirror. Let’s talk about it.

As always, all commentary comes from this highlight video.

First half of Arkansas vs Auburn basketball

I doubt that an Auburn basketball game will ever start faster than this one did: a Wendell Green Jr. 4 point play just 14 seconds in. Auburn’s special brand of motion offense was looking way smoother Saturday night than it had in a long time. From tip to final buzzer, we saw the offensive system that has made Auburn one of the regular SEC powers.

Throughout the first half, Wendell Green was decisive and aggressive. We saw him coming off of pindown screens, attacking the Hawgs defense off of pick and roll, and making plays with his passing.

The biggest development from the Tigers was Allen Flanigan showing everyone the 2020 version of Allen Flanigan. Two years ago, Flan was the best player on the court whenever Sharife Cooper wasn’t playing. Saturday night, we got a full 40 minutes of it. We still got a few mind numbing turnovers, but overall it was a nice resurgence for the senior guard.

Going into the break, Arkansas was shooting terribly. Auburn was shooting decent. Score at half: 36-25 Auburn.

Second Half of Arkansas vs Auburn basketball

The second half was much of the same as the first half. Arkansas wasn’t making shots. Auburn made enough. The ball movement from the Tigers was exactly what we’ve come to expect under Bruce. At times, even last year’s AP number one team didn’t move the ball this well.

Zep Jasper went to work early and often in the second half, giving the other guards a break. Zep’s offense hasn’t been where it needs to be, so seeing him make some much needed buckets is huge.

Whenever Arkansas made some buckets, Auburn responded. This one never got within arms reach. That’s really all there is to write on the second half. Auburn played great defense, and good enough offense. Final score: 72-59 Auburn.

Final Stats

Leading scorer: Wendell Green Jr. (19 pts, 5-8 FG, 2-4 3PT)

Leading assister: Wendell Green Jr. (5 AST)

Leading rebounder: Johni Broome (10 REB)

Player of the Game: I’ll go ahead and give it to Wendell Green, but a special honorable mention is in order for Allen Flanigan. The senior guard has struggled since returning from Achilles surgery. We finally got a signature game from him with 18 points and 3-6 shooting from deep.

Moving On

The Tigers will face Ole Miss in Oxford Tuesday night. Kermit Davis is one of the best coaches in the country and doesn’t have the talent to show it. He’s always good for a tough game.

War Eagle.