Auburn Basketball: Keys to avoiding the upset to College of Charleston

Make College of Charleston get sloppy

For the most part, the Cougars are extremely careful with the basketball, only turning it over 10 times a game. However, Auburn is tenacious defensively as they average almost 16 takeaways per contest. That number is top 30 in NCAA, meaning that the Tigers can certainly impose their will upon the Cougars. Keep in mind that the College of Charleston has only faced two tournament teams in the regular season. They suffered losses to Wichita State and Rhode Island. In both of those games combined, the Cougars turned the ball over 20 times.

This is a little different, though. The NCAA Tournament is a far bigger stage for College of Charleston and they may start the game a little squeamish from all the nerves. That is Auburn’s chance to capitalize. If they can force their average amount of turnovers, they will take the Cougars out of the game. There is nothing more detrimental to an upset bid than sloppy basketball. The Tigers have to strive to force haphazard play out of the Cougars to ensure their chance at victory.

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It will not be an easy game for the Auburn Tigers, but they are capable of handling College of Charleston in the second round. Perhaps the biggest factor is how Auburn will react after coming out flat in the SEC tournament. If that carries over into this game, expect a dogfight for the full 40 minutes. However, if Auburn plays to the potential we are used to seeing, they should secure a spot in the third round.