Auburn basketball is one week away from facing Iowa State in the first round of the Maui Invitational in Hawaii. Before the long trip, the Tigers will battle in-state foe North Alabama at Neville Arena on Monday for its lone game of the week.
Who has the upper hand in this nonconference clash? ESPN predicts this game to be a blowout in favor of the home-standing Auburn Tigers. According to ESPN’s matchup predictor, Auburn has a 99% chance to beat North Alabama in front of its home crowd.
Both teams have made statements early in scoring by averaging over 80 points per game. North Alabama holds a slight edge in the category by scoring 87.5 points, as opposed to Auburn’s 82.3. However, Auburn’s defense has limited its opponents to score just 56 points per game while North Alabama gives up 70.3.
Although several statistical categories suggest this could be a close game, the level of competition that both teams have played can not be compared. Auburn is 3-0 against teams ranked in the top 130 in the KenPom, including No. 2 Houston. North Alabama has earned two wins over Division One competition. Air Force and UT-Martin rank No. 306 and No. 314 respectively in the KenPom while Samford, the lone team to beat North Alabama, ranks No. 145.
Auburn meets North Alabama on Monday at Neville Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. CT and can be seen on SEC Network. Check out the preview of Monday’s game by clicking here.
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