Auburn vs. North Carolina: Key storylines in the Sweet 16 matchup
3. Locking down UNC, and limiting their offense
It’s been made clear this week that the outcome of this game will largely come down to the offensive prowesses of both teams. However, with such emphasis being put on the attacking side of the ball, any outstanding defensive effort, for either side, could prove to be vital.
While it’s hard to focus on anything other than the tremendous offensive talent that’ll be on show in this game, there’ll be plenty of toughness on the opposite end. Auburn actually rank as a top-end defense. Over this college basketball season, the Tigers averaged 68.5 PAPG – something not to be trodden upon lightly. This proven SEC team has the ability to lower UNC’s offensive efficiency effectively, if they can turn up for the whole game. It’s not just their ability to match UNC that will prove vital in Friday’s game – that’s something that needs to be done, but holding down the fort in their own territory will put them in real contention of creating a Sweet Sixteen upset.
The Tigers’ roster consists of three players who are averaging above 1.0 block per game – juniors Anfernee McLemore and Austin Wiley, and sophomore Chuma Okeke, who also leads the Tigers in rebounds and steals. There are plenty of tough players in this Tiger squad who are going to be making it more difficult than the Tar Heels have had it, thus far, and UNC isn’t going to like facing this team.
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It’ll be difficult for Auburn to match UNC’s ability to knock down shots to a tee, however, Auburn will definitely be able to make consistent buckets, which will give them a chance. If the Tigers can defend as they have done in the SEC, then expect a game that goes right down to the wire.