The Auburn men’s basketball team is set to face Queens University on Monday in their non-conference finale. This matchup takes place at Neville Arena after a nine-day break from competition. Queens, located in Charlotte, North Carolina, has faced a tough schedule, enduring losses against schools such as Villanova, Virginia, Wake Forest, and Arkansas.
Auburn’s Expectations Against Queens
Auburn head coach Steven Pearl acknowledges the offensive capabilities of the Royals. He remarked on their ability to score, stating, “They’re definitely capable of putting up a lot of points.” The Royals possess a well-connected roster, with returning players who make high-quality shots. This combination makes them a formidable opponent.
Key Players to Watch
Leading Queens in scoring is 6-5 guard Nasir Mann, who averages 15.3 points per game and has a 38.5% success rate from three-point range. Pearl highlighted the Royals’ size and depth, noting, “They have great positional size at the guard spots.” This depth allows them to exploit defensive lapses effectively.
Auburn’s Return and Recovery
The time off has benefited the Tigers, especially in recovering injured players like Tahaad Pettiford and KeShawn Murphy. Pearl shared encouraging news about Murphy, who demonstrated his athleticism in recent practices. “He was bouncing around the gym yesterday and dunking all over the place,” Pearl noted, emphasizing the need for Murphy to perform at his peak to help the team succeed.
Continuing Streaks and Rankings
After a prolonged absence from their home court, the Tigers aim to extend their non-conference home winning streak to 64. Currently, Auburn holds a record of 8-4, while Queens stands at 5-7. The game begins at 9 p.m. CT on SEC Network, with Andy Burcham and Randall Dickey providing commentary.
Looking Ahead
Coach Pearl remains optimistic about his team’s resilience and ability to overcome challenges. He remarked, “We’ve responded pretty well after adverse situations.” As the Tigers prepare for this crucial game, the coaching staff stresses the importance of continuous improvement on their path to becoming a great team.
