1) Auburn’s first true road test
Auburn obviously played away from home when they went to Maui but they have yet to compete in a true road atmosphere, which was something they struggled with last year.
The Tigers lost four of their last six road games a year ago, including all of their final three against the likes of South Carolina, Florida, and Arkansas.
Auburn also hasn’t looked their best on neutral courts this year, either. In Maui, they needed overtime to beat a Xavier team that isn’t expected to make the NCAA Tournament and struggled to put away an uncertain Arizona team. Yes, they played well in that Duke loss, but the Tigers were also down double digits for most of the game before roaring back.
In their last outing, Auburn was again taken to overtime on a neutral court, this time by UAB. The Blazers used their length and athleticism to force Auburn into an off shooting night and forced eight steals.
NC State’s pressure defense will provide another test for the Tigers in that regard. Can they hold onto the ball and not be rattled playing in what will be a hostile environment?
If they can check that box, Auburn will have answered pretty much every question about them.