SEC Showdown Should See Scoring Aplenty

Auburn vs. Tennessee, 7:00 ET

It wasn't a very exciting day yesterday as I went just 1-1 in plays. I probably tried to force the play on Houston, and ultimately it was a play that cost me. They were 13.5 favorites, and, while they won the game, they didn't cover. Houston has been reliable in a lot of ways this season, but this is the second consecutive game they've dropped for me so I think I'll be staying away from them for a while. As we turn our attention to tonight's contest, we have two ranked teams squaring off in an SEC showdown as Auburn takes on Tennessee. 

Auburn has been an interesting squad this season. They currently are 21-6 on the year and are looking like one of the best teams in the country some weeks, and other weeks look like they could be bounced in the round of 32.  Auburn is just 2-2 over their past two contests, having lost at Florida and then at home to Kentucky. The Florida loss was bad, losing by 16, but somewhat understandable considering it was a road game - one where teams tend to struggle. The game against Kentucky was a lot worse. Don't get me wrong, Kentucky has a ton of talent and is playing very well currently, but losing by double-digits on your home floor is an issue. They came out in the last game and performed well against a Georgia team that isn't anything special, but they took that one by 21 points. Tonight, they play a game against Tennessee, one of the best teams in the country, and Auburn has to go on the road to do it. In their road losses, Auburn has kept the majority of the games close. Auburn has some big bodies and can do good work down low, but they also shoot fairly well with four starters nailing 35% or more from deep. However, they don't shoot a ton of threes. 

Auburn coach Bruce Pearl took the Tigers to the 2019 Final Four. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)

Tennessee has climbed all the way up to fourth in the nation, and you'd have to think they will at least get some consideration for one of the #1 seeds in the big dance. The Volunteers are currently 21-6 on the season, just like Auburn, but they are better within the conference, running off to 11-3 on the year. They have won four of their past five games, with their only loss coming at the hands of Texas A&M in Texas. It wasn't a very close contest as they dropped that game by 16 points. Their other losses within the conference came at the hands of South Carolina and Mississippi State. The South Carolina loss was on Tennessee's home floor which makes it a little more unacceptable. Comparing schedules, Tennessee has had the easier path this season with only six games to this point against ranked opponents. They are just 3-3 in those games, but they have won all three by seven or more points, and they have won three in a row now. This is the start of a stretch where they have to play four straight ranked opponents. Personally, I think they will go 2-2 in this stretch, and they probably drop one at home and one on the road. 

If we want to consider which team is playing better basketball right now, it is Tennessee. Auburn is probably the more tested program in this one though. The teams match up fairly well and I think both offenses will find their way to efficient shots. I'm going to back the over in this game. The total is listed at 151.5 and I think both teams should be able to get 75 or more points which should comfortably put us over the total here. If I had to take a side, I'd probably grab the points with Auburn, but I'm not sold they will get it done. 

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