25. Auburn (8-3)
Which version of this Auburn team can we realistically expect to show up on a regular basis? On one hand, the Tigers pushed Houston to the limit in a tough loss and scored double-digit wins over Oregon, St. John’s, and NC State in near succession. On the other hand, Auburn has fallen fast out of games, losing by 30 points to Michigan and 29 to Arizona just last weekend.
At the very least, these Tigers took care of their business this week in Atlanta, getting a 92-78 victory over Chattanooga and getting back on track. Auburn shot 49% from the field, getting 22 points and 11 rebounds from Keyshawn Hall and a 20-point effort from Tahaad Pettiford, two stars they’ll really be leaning on when SEC play begins in a few weeks.
Poor outside shooting has stunted games while the defense has had its own issues at times, especially in those aforementioned losses. The thing to know right now about Auburn is that this team is still coming into their own and is certainly not at the same level as last year’s Final Four squad. If they wish to disprove that statement, there’s a golden opportunity against Purdue coming next weekend right before Christmas.