Keys to the Game
Auburn will want to push the pace on both ends of the floor. The Tigers will pressure the ball defensively seeking to create offense from turnovers. Pettiford, Overton and Freeman are nasty ‘on-ball’ defenders.
The Tigers also have a decided size advantage. Hall, Murphy, Freeman and Sebastian Williams-Adams are all 6’7 or taller. Walker and his backup Brandon Lieb are the only Redbirds that tall.
Illinois State rebounds as a team. They are outstanding a blocking out on the defensive end and are one of the best offensive rebounding teams in the nation. The Redbirds will need to earn those ‘extra possessions' off the offensive window to prevail.
Steven Pearl's team felt slighted by not being included in the NCAA Tournament and this NIT run is something of a 'redemption tour'. They are playing with passion and that proverbial 'chip on their shoulder'. If they are flying around and creating havoc they will be difficult to stop.
Pedon’s team seems to relish in the idea that anyone on the squad can be the star. Walker is clearly their ‘go-to guy’, but during this three-game, NIT run, Landon Wolf posted a career high 24 points in the win over Kent State. Ty Pence recorded his career high 23 points against Wake Forest and Kinziger led the way with 16 points against Dayton.
Who’s turn will it be Thursday night in Indianapolis?