NCAA Basketball: Previewing the Big 12/SEC Challenge
By Doug Winkey
Auburn @ TCU
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Auburn Tigers — 13-7 (3-5 SEC)
TCU Horned Frogs — 14-6 (3-5 Big 12)
Match-up to watch: Vladimir Brodziansky vs. Austin Wiley
It’s age taking on potential in this game as the two bigs battle in the post. Brodziansky has found a new gear under coach Jamie Dixon, averaging 13.8 points on 60 percent shooting, 6.0 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game.
Auburn’s five-star freshman Wiley will try to counter with 8.7 points on 57 percent, 5.4 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game in his first year under Bruce Pearl. Wiley only averages 17 minutes per game, so he will have to get either plenty of rotating support from the bench or play in the 25-29 minute range to counter the veteran Horned Frog. However, both teams are better than expected using mostly young guys, so anything could happen in Fort Worth.
Prediction: TCU 72 Auburn 63