The 18th ranked Auburn Tigers took on the Nebraska Cornhuskers in Atlanta today taking part in the annual Holiday Hoopsgiving event. The Tigers were without Bruce Pearl today, as the NCAA finally issued punishments for the Chuck Persons scandal in 2017. Coach Pearl served the first game of his two-game suspension today. Wes Flannigan was acting as Auburn’s Head Coach today. Auburn came into this game 7-1, after dominating Yale 86-64 in Auburn Arena last Saturday. The Cornhuskers, coached by Fred Hoilberg, came into this contest with a 5-5 record. Their last outing was certainly one they would like to put behind them, as Michigan beat them 102-67 Tuesday night.
Jabari Smith got the Tigers offense rolling with a quick three-pointer. Nebraska answered with some quick offense to even things out. Auburn exploded offensively with fast points to take a 18-9 lead.
At halftime, Auburn was up 45-28. Auburn was dominating the game in just about every aspect. Jabari Smith was Auburn’s leader in points with 12. Wendell Green Jr. led Auburn in rebounds with five. Zep Jasper led the team in assists with three. Nebraska had three players with six points, Alonzo Verge Jr., Bryce McGowens, and Derrick Walker. Derrick Walker also led the Cornhuskers in rebounds and assists with five and three respectively.
Auburn’s offensive success continued in the second half. Back-to-back alley oop slams from Devan Cambridge got the Auburn faithful fired up. Nebraska went on a 7-0 run in a 46 second period to bring the score to 55-41. Wendell Greene Jr. had a minute with a steal followed by a layup, then a forced turnover followed by a three-pointer. Auburn continued to dominate through the second half, holding a 78-48 lead with 7:44 left in the game. The Tigers were on a 16-1 run over a four minute period. Auburn was able to get it done 99-68.
Jabari Smith led the scoring for Auburn today with 21 points, Wendell Green Jr. followed closely behind with 19. Walker Kessler was Auburn’s leading rebounder with seven. Wendell Green Jr. led the Tigers in assists with six, followed closely by Zep Jasper who had five.
C.J. Wilcher led Nebraska in scoring with 17 points. Alonzo Verge JR and Derrick Walker led the way for the Cornhuskers in assists, both having four. Derrick Walker also led the team in rebounds with 10.
In the post-game Press Conference, acting Head Coach Wes Flanigan was asked about Wendell Green JR’s performance. Flanigan said, “He told me before the game in the locker room, “Coach, I got you.”
Auburn is back in action this Tuesday night against North Alabama at Auburn Arena.
