The No. 2 Auburn Tigers ended non-conference play by winning five straight games, and looks to carry that momentum into SEC play.
The first test of the conference slate will be the Missouri Tigers, who enter the game with a 10-2 record. The visiting Tigers are off to a hot start considering they won just eight games a season ago, and went winless in SEC play. Missouri’s signature win of the season to this poi knt is an upset win over No. 7 Kansas, with its two losses coming to quad-1 competition.
How does ESPN see this game shaking out? To the delight of Auburn fans, Saturday could be a fun affair as ESPN gives the home-standing Tigers a 93.0% chance to beat Missouri and to kick off the SEC campaign with a 1-0 record.
Both teams are similar in terms of points scored and points allowed per game, as well as field goal percentage. Auburn is a better rebounding team, and is better at assisting with baskets than Missouri. Auburn is also better at three-point shooting than Missouri by connecting on 37% of opportunities, which ranks No. 2 in the SEC.
Analytically, Auburn remains No. 1 in the KenPom and ranks in the top-10 in both offensive and defensive efficiency. Missouri enters the day ranked No. 52 in the KenPom and ranks No. 35 in offensive efficiency.
The No. 2 Auburn Tigers will look to begin SEC play on a high note Saturday by taking on the Missouri Tigers at 3 p.m. CT on SEC Network. Click here for a full preview of Saturday’s SEC opener.
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