Happy Saturday, everyone! That was an interesting first half in which Auburn fell behind early and then took some control for he game. The result is a 40-34 lead for the Tigers over Ole Miss as Sharife Cooper leads the team with nine points, seven assists and two steals but has turned the ball over four times in the first 20 minutes.
It will be a hard-fought second half as Auburn looks to break even in the series against Ole Miss for the season. Here are my thoughts and analysis (hard-hitting, I’m sure) at halftime.
- Allen Flanigan MUST learn that the opposing scouting report is going to say he will not stop once int he lane and pull up for a jumper and, the majority of the time, it will result in a charge.
- Speaking of Flanigan, he really is struggling mightily right now. Hopefully that rebound and outback with 4:30 left to play will give him some confidence but he does have three fouls.
- If and when Cooper gets that three-point shot down, watch out. He’s basically unguardable at that point.
- That pass near the end of the half from Cooper to Cambridge? Chef’s kiss.
- I like Bruce Pearl’s beard but you would think that a beard plus wearing a mask plus him running around and screaming would result in it being extremely hot. These are things I think of.
- I have probably said this before but I would like to volunteer to attend a practice at the invitation of Bruce Pearl and show players the basics of blocking out.
- Devan Cambridge just doesn’t look confident shooting the ball anymore and that is a weapon Auburn needs.
- Justin Ferguson mentioned this in a tweet but I will add on to it: Kermit Davis looks like a guy that would be a golf pro or your local preacher and then … he starts yelling at a level I don’t think most people even have. And since Ferguson mentioned it, my top 5 SEC coaches I wouldn’t want to be yelled at:
- Frank Martin
- Bruce Pearl
- Kermit Davis
- Tom Crean
- ohn Calipari
- Dead last is Will Wade because he looks like a petulant child at all times.
- JT Thor is starting to progress nicely on the offensive side of the floor.
- I’m all here for Dylan Cardwell smiles and reactions after he dunks yet another alley-oop. His enthusiasm is contagious and I love it.
- The symmetry of the AU interlocking logo at mid-court is absolutely perfect. That is all.
- Is it just me or are Ole Miss’ basketball powder blue uniforms a lot darker than the football ones? I prefer the football ones.