So far this year, we’ve been looking at Auburn Football’s opponents. Now with basketball in full swing, we’ll be taking a look at their upcoming opponents for the next week. This week, the Tigers play two games: one against Nebraska, and the other against North Alabama.
Nebraska
The Cornhuskers are 5-5 early in the season, most recently suffering a blowout loss to Michigan. Fred Hoiberg is in just his third year as head coach of the program, and has lost three games in a row coming into Saturday’s contest.
The Huskers’ offense runs through two players: senior guard Alonzo Verge Jr, and freshman forward Bryce McGowens. Both are averaging over 16 points per game. Nebraska relies heavily on defensive play though. In their 5 wins this season, opponents are averaging just over 65 points. In their losses, however, opponents are scoring an average of 85 points per game, with two opponents already hanging 100 on them.
Players to watch for: #1, Guard Alonzo Verge Jr, and #2, guard Bryce McGowans
As I stated earlier, these two run the show for Nebraska, averaging over 16 points each. Verge leads the team in assists on the year, with 56, and is third on the team in rebounds with 58. The team leader in boards is McGowens, with 68.
Auburn will play Nebraska Saturday, December 11th, in Atlanta, GA.
North Alabama
The North Alabama Lions are strong early in the year, with a record of 5-3, with their most recent game being a 103-40 blowout victory over Carver. The Lions are coached by Tony Pujol, who is in his fourth year as head coach and has led the program’s transition to D1 basketball.
They were blown out by 26 against Mississippi State in their first game of the season, but have won big against teams at their level. They have three wins on the season with a point differential over 50.
Players to watch for: #3, Guard Jamari Blackmon, and #33, forward Damian Forrest
The Lions’ offense runs through Blackmon. The sophomore guard is putting up over 24 points per game, and leads the team in assists with 23 on the year. Damian Forrest is an imposing figure at 6-10, 220 pounds. While he doesn’t put up gaudy scoring numbers, Forrest is a force on the boards, averaging 5.6 rebounds per game, leading the squad by a wide margin.
Fans should also be aware of #2, freshman guard Daniel Ortiz. Ortiz is a lights-out shooter, shooting 49% from the field, and over 50% from three.
Auburn will host North Alabama on Tuesday, December 14th.
