After a dominant 98-70 win over Oklahoma in Neville Arena this week, the Auburn basketball team improved to 19-1 and is still the only undefeated team in conference play. The Tigers used the non-conference portion of the schedule to build the best resume in college basketball and have won their way to the top of the AP Poll.
A major key in the Tigers' success this season is the depth on the team. When head coach Bruce Pearl goes to the bench, there isn't a fall-off in terms of skill level and talent. The Tigers are unselfish with the ball, and everyone has the opportunity to score.
In Auburn basketball's matchup with Ole Miss last weekend, every single Auburn starter scored in double digits, and three of the four players who participated off the bench scored, too. Five Tigers scored in double digits against Oklahoma. According to Denver Jones, the team's willingness to share the ball is a big factor in their continued success.
“It's just a testament to the fact that we love each other and love sharing the ball,” Jones said, per Auburn Rivals. “We respect everyone and everyone's game on our team. And I feel like that's one of the reasons why we're so good and why our team is so deep.
“It's just, like, we share the ball. We encourage each other each shot, no matter what it is. I feel like that's what really makes us great.”
With a 14-game winning streak spanning over two months, the Tigers are likely due for a loss, but they have yet to show true signs of weakness and continue to find ways to finish games with a win. Things won't get easier, either, with multiple ranked opponents still left on the schedule.
The Tigers return to action this weekend when they host the Florida Gators in Neville Arena at 3 p.m.