The Auburn Tigers basketball team took a tough loss Saturday at home to Alabama. Despite leading the Tide by 10 in the first half, Auburn could not hold on and struggled to defend Alabama, especially from beyond the 3-point line.
Things don't get any easier for Steven Pearl's squad in the midweek matchup as they prepare to take on Vanderbilt, a 19-4 team with one of the best point guards in the league, Tyler Tanner. Still, guard Kevin Overton says the Tigers have already had to bounce back from tough losses this season, and they will do it again ahead of their matchup with the Commodores.
"I think it gives you peace of mind — knowing our past and the things we had to overcome at this point have been huge," Overton said, per Auburn Undercover. "We have shown ourselves that we can do it. I think it's just getting onto the next game and trying to emphasize not harping on games as much — especially where we are with this team, how much we have grown. Not just beating up on ourselves. It definitely gives you peace of mind."
The Tigers allowed Alabama guards Labaron Philon and Aden Holloway score a combined 40 points, but if they want to bounce back and get a win against Vanderbilt tonight, they'll have lock in on defense.
"Collective effort," Overton said of slowing Tanner. "I take every matchup personally, just in terms of what I need to do to guard. That's going to be a collective effort — he's coming off scoring 40 last game, or something like that. Collective effort."
The Tigers and the Commodores tip off from Neville Arena at 6 p.m. CST and the game will be broadcast on the SEC Network.