Despite double digits in turnovers and the shooting being off, Auburn is hanging with No. 2 Baylor in Waco at halftime with the Bears leading by just five points at 35-30.
Here are some first half thoughts and analysis:
- Baylor’s defense, especially the length of their players, is impressive. The passing lanes that are usually there for Auburn just haven’t been there so far.
- Sharife Cooper has been held to just — points and — assists with three turnovers but hasn’t played that bad. You can tell the Bears have the game plan to body him up with larger defenders.
- I used to get in trouble for under-cutting players back in high school but it seems that Baylor has really perfected the form with some of the alley-oops thrown by Auburn so far. Some of these falls have been downright scary.
- Baylor is going to take charge. Auburn needs to realize that, but the referees have been pretty good at not calling flops.
- Missed free throws were killer at the end of the second half. Not only did Flanigan miss two at the very end but so did Babatunde Akingbola. You have to make those to pull an upset on the road.
- Speaking of the upset, being just down five at the half after the way the Tigers looked offensively? I will definitely take it. It goes to show you how hard Auburn is battling defensively.
- That spin move and then pass to Dylan Cardwell for the dunk by Cooper was awesome. That is my professional analysis.
- Devan Cambridge continues to struggle from behind the three-point line but doesn’t sulk. I like that about the kid.
- Let’s hope the Tigers realize that they are on par with Baylor after the first 20 minutes and have the ability to compete with them for the upset. Don’t let any big runs happen or the Bears will put the clamp down.