AUBURN, Ala. (EETV) - In an intense back-and-forth shooting match the Auburn Tigers go down 83-78 to Texas A&M. Auburn's foul trouble leads to an upsetting night in Reed Arena as the Aggies sweep the Tigers in regular season play.
The Tigers and the Aggies both played with chips on their shoulders, trying to prove something. Both squads left everything on the court as the game had 17 lead changes and was tied several times throughout the competition. Both teams were given sideline warnings and play was broken up by the refs occasionally to prevent any further issues between players in a chippy match.
"Our second-half defense let us down," Auburn Head Coach Bruce Pearl said. "We fouled them too much. It didn't matter whether we were playing man or zone, we just couldn't find a way to keep them off the foul line. we scored 78 that's enough to win on the road. We could not stop them in the second half. We fouled them too much and that was the difference."
Auburn's record now (17-7) overall and (7-4) in conference play. The Aggies rise to (17-7) overall and (9-4) in conference play.
Frustration is the word of the night for the Tiger's defense as the whistle blew just too many times to come out with a victory. Johni Broome couldn't keep his hands clean as he fouled out of the game. Dylan Cardwell was in foul trouble with 4.Auburn fouled The Aggies 27 times, giving them 39 shots from the stripe; 31 of which were made (79.5%). In a loss by single digits, this performance by the Tigers can prove detrimental as shown against The Aggies. The Tigers only got 14 chances from the free-throw line; making 9 (64.3%).
The Aggies were aided by a remarkable performance from their forward Julius Marble, having the best game of his career, finishing the night with 20 points and seven rebounds. Guard Wade Taylor IV also showed up for the Aggies scoring 22 points and seven assists. A win tonight for The Aggies makes a stronger case as to why they should make the tournament later in the year, as of right now experts have them out.
Auburn has now dropped four of their last five games, two of which were to The Aggies. The Tigers have struggled when playing on the road this season, leaving College Station with a 4-5 road record.
On a positive note, Auburn shot just above their season average with four players scoring double digits: Broome (18), Jaylin Williams (12), Wendell Green Jr. (20) and Allen Flanigan. Broome finished the night with a doubled ouble.
The Auburn Tigers are back in Neville for their next matchup on Saturday, February 11 against the No. 3 Alabama Crimson Tide. College Gameday will be back in town for the third season in a row, broadcasting their show from inside Neville Arena before the game. As for the game, it will be aired on ESPN with tipoff set for 1:00 PM.
