Auburn Basketball: Keys for Tigers to beat Kentucky in Elite Eight

Auburn Basketball shocked a lot of people when they upset North Carolina in the Sweet Sixteen. Can they carry this momentum into the Elite Eight?

Auburn Basketball is one of the hottest programs in the nation. It’s been happening since the regular season ended, where the Tigers went on a stellar run in the second half to come back against Alabama. Since then, they have been on an absolute tear. In the SEC Tournament, they worked their way through every opponent thanks to their ability to push the tempo and shoot the lights out. They had to get lucky along the way, but they persevered through it all to earn the SEC Tournament title.

As a 5-seed, many predicted an upset against New Mexico State. It took some more luck for Auburn to make it past the Aggies, but they haven’t had a close game since. In the Round of 32, Auburn destroyed Kansas, gaining momentum for the Sweet Sixteen.

Against North Carolina, it was very important for Auburn to shoot the lights out. They struggled in the first half, but they came alive in the second. Overall, they shot 17/37 from three, helping them score 97 points in total.

The bench really came through for Auburn in this game. Danjel Purifoy, J’von McCormick, and Samir Doughty all scored in double digits for the Tigers. The bench combined 7 for 11 from three. They will need to step up again against Kentucky, especially with Chuma Okeke out with a torn ACL.

What all will it take for Auburn to beat Kentucky and earn a spot in the Final Four? Here’s a few keys.