AUBURN, Ala. – That Auburn coach Bruce Pearl mentioned two University of Southern California players before the one with 7.6 million Instagram followers speaks to the star power USC brings to the Plains Sunday.
Next Game:
vs. USC
Dec. 17, 2023
Noon CT
TV: ESPN
Radio: Auburn Sports Network
Yes, Lebron James' son, Bronny, will visit Neville Arena, playing in only his second college basketball game after debuting last week.
So, too, will Boogie Ellis, who scored 28 points against Auburn last year in Los Angeles in USC's 74-71 win. And Isaiah Collier, the top-ranked recruit in this year's freshman class. Between them, they average 38.4 points per game.
"We've got our hands full," Pearl said. "Preparing for what is probably the best combination of two guards we'll see all year long. Those guys account for almost half of their offense. It's going to be really challenging for our guards.
"They've got the talent to beat anybody on any night. We're working to get ready. This might be the most talented team we've played against all year."
Bronny James' presence generates attention coast to coast, including national television coverage on ESPN. USC is Auburn's fifth Power Five non-conference opponent, after wins over Virginia Tech, Notre Dame and Indiana, and a season-opening loss to Baylor.
"One of the toughest schedules we've ever put together," Pearl said. "It's a national showcase so the kids are excited. The guys are beginning to recognize that we can make things difficult for an opposing offense and create turnovers and fastbreaks."
Auburn returns to Neville Arena for the first time since Nov. 29, after beating Indiana in Atlanta and knocking off UNC Asheville in Huntsville.
"After nine games, it feels like we've played 29 games because we've been on the road for six of the first nine," Pearl said. "It'll be great to get back home and play in front of our fans."
With Auburn University students on holiday break, Pearl encourages Auburn's more seasoned fans to turn back the clock to their college days.
"I'm going ask for those 40, 50 and 60-somethings to let their hair down a little bit," Pearl said. "Pretend that they're Animal House. I need them to be loud and create a great environment for us to have a chance to beat this team."
Seeking its third straight win and first victory in its fourth try against Southern Cal, Auburn (7-2) takes on the Trojans (5-4) Sunday at noon CT on ESPN. Andy Burcham and Sonny Smith will call the action on the Auburn Sports Network.
PLAYER TO WATCH: TRE DONALDSON
Sophomore Tre Donaldson led Auburn with a career-high 15 points on 6-of-8 field goals in the win over UNC Asheville on Wednesday. Donaldson is playing some of the best basketball of his career. He's scored in double figures in three straight games and is averaging 12.3 points and 3.3 assists while committing a total of three turnovers over that stretch.
INSIDE THE SERIES: USC
Auburn and USC are meeting on the hardwood for the fourth time in history. The Trojans lead 3-0 in the series with the most recent contest coming last year in Los Angeles where the Trojans prevailed 74-71. Johni Broome had a team-high 16 points for the Tigers. Sunday's game marks the first time the two teams have played in Auburn.
TIGERS VS. THE PAC-12
Auburn is 7-7 all-time against current members of the Pac-12 Conference and 1-1 at home.
Last season, the Tigers played two Pac-12 opponents on their West Coast road swing in December. They dropped a 74-71 decision at USC but bounced back to beat Washington 84-61. In their previous home meetings against Pac-12 foes, the Tigers defeated Washington 88-66 in 2018 and lost to Colorado 91-84 in 2015.
Auburn is 4-3 lifetime against Pac-12 opponents under Bruce Pearl including meetings with Arizona in the 2018 Maui Invitational (W, 73-57) and a pair of games against Colorado in Boulder in 2014 (L, 59-90) and in Auburn in 2015 (L, 84-91).
OFF TO A HOT START
With Wednesday's win over UNC Asheville, Auburn is now 7-2 to start the season. It is the sixth time in the last seven seasons the Tigers have started 7-2 or better.
2023-24: 7-2
2022-23: 11-2
2021-22: 22-1
2019-20: 15-0
2018-19: 9-1
2017-18: 16-1