AUBURN, Ala. - For Bruce Pearl and the Auburn men's basketball program, the reward of playing in-state mid-major teams - getting challenged by highly motivated opponents before SEC play - outweighs the risk.
"The in-state teams didn't want to play you, because they had everything to lose and nothing to gain," said Pearl, recalling how difficult it was to schedule such matchups when he coached at Southern Indiana and Wisconsin-Milwaukee. "You don't not play them because you're concerned. They're capable. It's good to give those guys a shot."
Auburn (4-2) hosts Troy (4-3) Saturday at 11 a.m. on SEC Network and the Auburn Sports Network.
"For the kids at Troy, a lot of them are from the state of Alabama, this is an exciting opportunity for them. That's going to get us better, and I think it's great for fans. It's good for college basketball.
"A lot of kids from Montgomery, a lot of state champions, a lot of first-team All-State kids. A lot of guys who have been in my camp that we looked at and we liked a lot and we recruited, but didn't wind up going on. So I'm sure it will be great motivation to come into Auburn Arena. It'll be a huge game for them, but it's another opportunity for us to grow, get exposed and get better."
Auburn's point guard plan continues to take shape, with sophomore Allen Flanigan now sharing quarterback duties with freshman Justin Powell and sophomore Tyrell Jones.
"Allen's dad [assistant coach and former Auburn point guard Wes Flanigan] told me when I recruited him, that he could play point guard at some point," Pearl said. "I didn't see as much of that. But obviously, his dad has seen him a lot more and watched him develop. In high school, he did play some point guard. So putting the ball in his hands a little bit more there allows him to feel and be more like a playmaking guard.
"Justin Powell has done a phenomenal job. I always said to Justin, 'While I may be playing you out of position, No. 1, it might be your best position. And No. 2 if you do spend some time off the ball, you will be better for having had the ball in your hands.' Short term, long term, this is really good for Justin's development."
Fans attending Saturday's 11 a.m. tipoff are invited to bring an unwrapped toy to support Auburn's third annual Toys for Tots drive.
"Last year, we set an all-time record," Pearl said. "They had to bring an extra truck. Think about all the kids that benefited a year ago. We're not going to have as many people here, so everybody who's coming tomorrow needs to bring a toy. What better way of brightening a child's Christmas. It's a really good opportunity for us to go out and do something really special."
Toy Drive
The annual Auburn Basketball Toy Drive is back once again with this season's virtual toy drive, running Tuesday, 12/15 – 12/22, benefitting Toys for Tots. We are encouraging the Auburn Family to consider donating a new toy through this online platform. All funds raised during the week of Tuesday, 12/15 – 12/22 will be utilized by local U.S. Marines on Wednesday, 12/23 to shop for new, unwrapped toys which will bring joy and hope of the holidays to children in need in the Lee County area. Fans also have the ability to donate online. For more information, please visit AuburnTigers.com/MBBGameday.
Player to Watch: Dylan Cardwell
In his first season at Auburn, Dylan Cardwell has made an immediate impact off the bench. The freshman has played at least 10 minutes in all six games, including a season-high 18 minutes in the Tigers' last game vs. Texas Southern. Auburn is 2-0 this season when Cardwell pulls down at least five rebounds in a game.Inside the Series: Troy
Saturday morning's game is set to be the 12th meeting in program history between Auburn and Troy. The Tigers lead the all-time series 10-1, which includes a 9-1 mark at home. The Trojans won the last matchup between the two programs on Dec. 4, 2009 in Auburn, 81-77.
The Tigers are 12-5 under head coach Bruce Pearl vs. the eight active Division I institutions in the state of Alabama, which does not including Auburn and North Alabama, which is making the transition to Division I. The Tigers are 71-17 against non-conference foes from Alabama all-time.
Head coach Bruce Pearl is set to meet Troy for the first time in his career. Pearl is 25-10 against teams from Alabama in his career, which includes Auburn when he was at Tennessee. Pearl's teams are 14-3 at home against teams from Alabama in his career.
Auburn is 44-11 all-time against teams from the currently-constructed Sun Belt Conference.Clash of Styles
Saturday's game will feature a pair of teams that rely on getting their points in different ways.
Auburn has 38.3 percent of its points from 3, 42 percent of its points from 2 and 19.7 percent of its points from the free throw line. Troy has 25.1 percent of its points from 3, 47.5 percent of its points from 2 and 27.4 percent of its points from the charity stripe.
Auburn averages nearly 72 possessions per 40 minutes, which is in the top-third of the nation (116th), while Troy averages 69.3 possessions per 40 minutes, which stands at 271st nationally.