AUBURN, Ala. – As the Southeastern Conference (SEC) gears up for a competitive season, six teams find themselves ranked in the top 25, although none have cracked the top 10. The championship chase is set to begin, and with it comes a sense of excitement and uncertainty among the contenders.
“It is very wide open,” commented Auburn guard Kevin Overton, who contributes an average of 12.5 points per game. “I think it’s all there for us.”
Auburn, the defending SEC champions, will kick off their conference play this Saturday against No. 23 Georgia, one of the ranked teams they will face in their challenging schedule. This matchup against Georgia marks the Tigers’ sixth encounter with a ranked opponent in just 14 games this season.
Auburn head coach Steven Pearl emphasizes the need for his team to play with intention and control against Georgia’s pressuring defense. “We’ve got to build off what we did in the last game as far as sharing the ball with one another,” Pearl remarked.
In their most recent non-conference game, Auburn dominated Queens with a score of 106-65, showcasing their offensive prowess by recording 22 assists, including a career-high nine from guard Tahaad Pettiford. This collaborative effort will be crucial as the Tigers strive to secure their first SEC victory.
Auburn enters this season’s conference play holding the No. 8 strength of schedule in the nation, with a history of facing tough opponents, including four teams currently ranked in the top eight. “We had to be pretty locked in for our non-conference slate to survive it,” Pearl stated. “That’s the benefit of playing a tough schedule; you know what you’re getting into.”
On the other side, Georgia poses a significant challenge, boasting the nation’s top-scoring offense with an impressive 99 points per game. They have maintained an undefeated record at home (9-0) and are riding a six-game winning streak. The Bulldogs’ sophomore guard Jeremiah Wilkinson leads the team with an average of 17.3 points per game.
With the excitement at its peak, Pearl acknowledges the challenge that awaits. “Stegeman is going to be rocking. They’re ranked; they’re tied for the third-best start in program history,” he said, referencing the heightened enthusiasm surrounding Georgia’s program.
Auburn, currently holding a record of 9-4, will face Georgia (12-1) this Saturday at noon CT at Stegeman Coliseum in Athens, broadcasted on SEC Network. The Auburn Sports Network will feature Andy Burcham and Randall Dickey bringing the game coverage to listeners.
Highlighting the significance of the upcoming matchup, Pearl concluded, “It’s going to take everything we’ve got. Our veterans have to do a good job of stepping up and providing confidence and courage to the rest of the group.” The energy from both teams sets the stage for an electric start to the SEC season.