Washington vs. Auburn: 2018-19 college basketball game preview
In college basketball’s third game of the year featuring two top-25 teams, Washington will fly across the country to face Auburn.
Who: Washington Huskies at Auburn Tigers
TV Schedule: Nov. 9 at 9:30 p.m. ET
Location: Auburn Arena in Auburn, Alabama
College basketball’s next top-25 matchup will not be like the most recent one where the No. 2 Duke Blue Devils narrowly defeated No. 4 Kentucky, 118-82. Instead, two teams with rich veteran talent — No. 25 Washington and No. 11 Auburn — will square off in the Auburn Arena.
The Huskies are coming off an 18-point victory over an impressive Western Kentucky squad. Despite being down nine at the half, Washington responded by outscoring Western Kentucky 46-19 in the second 20 minutes. The Huskies struggled from beyond the arc, shooting 5-25, but their defense forced 16 turnovers to help earn the victory in blowout fashion.
On the flip side, Auburn expectedly destroyed South Alabama 101-58 on Thursday. The Tigers flashed excellence in virtually every facet. The group shot 51% from the floor, 47% from downtown, outrebounded the Jaguars by 15, and forced 22 turnovers on the defensive end. Six players scored in double figures for Auburn, including Malik Dunbar, who posted 16 points off the bench. Jared Harper showed he is one of the nation’s top true point guards in a 20 point and 13 assist performance.
Experience will surely dominate in this matchup, especially for the traveling squad. Washington started three seniors against Western Kentucky and will look to do so for the rest of the season barring any injuries. The trio of senior starters — David Crisp, Matisse Thybulle, and Noah Dickerson — all averaged north of 11 points per game last season; sophomore guard Jaylen Nowell posted a team-high 16 points per contest as a freshman last season.
Auburn, too, has experience, but its depth separates the group from most in the country. 15 players stepped on the floor in their contest against South Alabama, though that is of course because it was a blowout from the start. Nonetheless, nine Auburn players averaged more than 4.7 points per game in their most recent season, and all are able to contribute even in minimal floor time.
The most interesting storyline to follow is the backcourt battles on Friday night. Both squads have two of the best guard sets in the country, and the Jaylen Nowell-Jared Harper matchup will be very intriguing.
dark. Next. Preseason top-25 power rankings
I really want to say Washington will win this contest on Friday night. But, Auburn playing at home will ultimately be the difference in this close matchup. Auburn’s depth is unmatched and the Tigers have plenty of reliable scorers. I would not be surprised if Washington wins, either, as it has so many weapons. My confidence level is low, but I foresee the Tigers improving to 2-0 after this game.