Prime-ranked Auburn has clinched a double bye within the upcoming Southeastern Convention match and stands one victory away from clinching not less than a share of the SEC regular-season crown.
However that is not the one prize of main significance out there when the Tigers battle Kentucky on Saturday afternoon at Lexington, Ky.
Auburn (26-2, 14-1 SEC) has set its sights on profitable at Kentucky for simply the third time in program historical past. The Tigers have misplaced 20 consecutive visits to Lexington since notching a 53-52 upset of then-No. 1 Kentucky on Jan. 9, 1988.
Total, the Tigers are 2-51 in Lexington, with the opposite victory coming in 1983.
“The explanation why we have now not received there’s as a result of, traditionally, Kentucky’s been the most effective staff within the league,” mentioned Auburn coach Bruce Pearl, who’s 0-6 in Lexington throughout his 11 seasons.
“And traditionally, we have not been among the finest groups within the league over an extended time period. However we’re making an attempt to place a dent in that proper now.”
Auburn has received its final 5 video games and holds a stellar 7-1 file on the highway. Additionally hanging within the distance is the college file of 30 wins, set in 2018-19 when the Tigers finally misplaced to Virginia within the Remaining 4.
However first up is thrashing Kentucky and clinching a share of the regular-season crown.
“I would say I am happy with this staff and this employees for all of the work we have put in,” mentioned star middle Johni Broome, a Nationwide Participant of the Yr candidate. “It is lastly exhibiting slightly bit. Job’s not completed.
“It might be good to clinch it at Kentucky. Clearly, they seem to be a historic program.”
Broome leads Auburn in scoring (18.8 factors per sport), rebounding (11.0) and blocked photographs (66 complete). Chad Baker-Mazara ranks second in scoring at 12.7 per sport and has a team-best 33 steals.
Kentucky (19-9, 8-7) has received 4 of its final six video games and shares seventh within the SEC with Ole Miss. The Wildcats are 14-2 at residence.
Kentucky is coming off a strong 83-82 highway win over Oklahoma by which Otega Oweh knocked down the profitable shot with 6.4 seconds left.
Oweh scored the Wildcats’ last 18 factors and completed with a career-high 28 factors in opposition to his former staff.
“I imply, it is an important feeling coming to your previous house, getting a win,” Oweh mentioned. “As a basketball participant, it is simply cool to go in there, to have that.”
First-year Kentucky coach Mark Pope was thrilled to see the resiliency of his staff.
“I do suppose our guys captured or had an expertise that they may name again on after we get on this, in a really comparable sport,” Pope mentioned. “And so I like that. I like that we have now it in our pocket.”
Wildcats level guard Lamont Butler (shoulder) returned from a three-game absence and had seven factors and 6 assists in 20 minutes at Oklahoma earlier than fouling out.
Jaxson Robinson (wrist) returned from a four-game absence and had seven factors in 12 first-half minutes earlier than being pressured to take a seat out within the second half when the wrist flared up.
Oweh leads Kentucky with a 16.1 scoring common. Robinson is second in scoring (13.0) and 3-pointers (62), whereas Butler is third in scoring (12.3) and leads the Wildcats in 4.7 assists per sport.
Koby Brea paces the Wildcats with 71 treys.
–Discipline Degree Media
