The Auburn Tigers defeated the North Carolina Tar Heels on Friday to advance to the Elite Eight for the second time in program in history. The Tigers last Elite Eight appearance came 33 years ago in 1986. Auburn's win was largely in part to the tremendous 3-point shooting by the Tigers. The team went 17-37 from downtown and, at times, seemed like they couldn't miss. This fact comes as no surprise, as it has become characteristic of this Auburn team this season, especially on their current 11-game winning streak, an NCAA best.
More impressive than the outstanding shooting displayed by Auburn, was the fact that it was not limited to one player. Six Tigers scored in double figures on Saturday, while point guard Jared Harper wasn't far behind with nine points of his own.
The Tigers unselfishly shot their way past another traditional college powerhouse on Friday after dismantling Kansas the previous game.
Auburn's defense was another deciding factor in the big win over North Carolina on Friday. The Tigers caused 14 turnovers against the Tar Heels, along with impressive blocks by Horrace Spencer, Chuma Okeke, and Austin Wiley.
The impressive win came with at a cost for Auburn. Sophomore forward Chuma Okeke went down with a horrific knee in the second half of Friday's contest. The gym went silent and players of both teams gathered in prayer, as the Auburn star forward went own in pain. Okeke did not return to the game and finished with a game high 20 points.
Head coach Bruce Pearl fought back tears when speaking on Okeke's injury after the game. Pearl believes the injury to be serious. An MRI is scheduled Saturday to determine the severity of Okeke's injury.
"Chuma was the best player on the floor," said Pearl.
The Tigers will have some adversity to manage, if Okeke is unable to play on Sunday. The solace for Auburn fans is Okeke's replacement, Danjel Purifoy, posted a 4-6 day from the 3-point line, finishing with 12 points. Purifoy has huge shoes to fill, but showed that he is ready to take on the task.
Auburn will face a familiar foe in the Kentucky Wildcats on Sunday in their Elite Eight matchup. The Tigers dropped the previous two meetings between the Wildcats this season. Auburn will be hoping that the third times a charm as they look to advance to the school's first Final Four appearance.
Solutions by The State News
