The No. 1 Auburn Tigers added another key victory to their impressive résumé Saturday, defeating the Georgia Bulldogs for the second time this season, 82-70. With March Madness approaching, Auburn’s standing in KenPom remains strong, reflecting its position as one of college basketball’s elite programs.
KenPom Overview
After Saturday’s win, Auburn stays at No. 2 overall in the KenPom rankings, trailing only Duke. The Tigers boast a KenPom score of +35.96, just behind Duke’s +38.14. While the Blue Devils’ balanced attack ranks them among the top four in both offensive and defensive efficiency, Auburn’s offense continues to lead the nation.
Offensive Efficiency: No. 1
Auburn’s offense remains at the top spot, but its lead has slightly diminished. The Tigers hold a 1.2-point margin over Duke, with multiple contenders closing in. Saturday’s second-half performance was a prime example of Auburn’s offensive firepower, as the Tigers shot 56% and scored 53 points after halftime, led by Johni Broome’s season-high 31 points and Denver Jones’ 17-point effort.
Defensive Efficiency: No. 11
Auburn is on the verge of cracking the top 10 in defensive efficiency, boasting a score of 93.8. The Tigers trail SEC rivals Tennessee, Texas A&M, and Florida in this category. Saturday’s game highlighted areas for improvement, as Georgia managed to hang around with timely shots and offensive rebounds.
Tempo: No. 129
Auburn averages 68.5 possessions per game, ranking 129th in tempo. Against Georgia, the Tigers fell slightly below their average with 65 possessions but maintained efficiency by scoring on 38 of them.
Strength of Schedule: No. 2
The Tigers’ grueling schedule continues to bolster their reputation. Auburn ranks second in strength of schedule, behind only Alabama. The Tigers’ opponents are ranked No. 2 in overall, offensive, and defensive efficiencies, underscoring the difficulty of their path to 25-2.
Looking Ahead: Ole Miss
Next up for Auburn is a rematch with Ole Miss on Wednesday night. The Rebels, currently ranked No. 22 in KenPom, present a formidable challenge. Auburn claimed a 92-82 win in their first meeting, but the Tigers must stay sharp to maintain their SEC dominance.
With four games left in the regular season, Bruce Pearl’s squad is poised to secure a top seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Tigers’ ability to adapt and execute against tough opponents will be key to their continued success.
