Auburn picked up its first win against Vanderbilt in Nashville since 2000, ending a 19-year drought while picking up its second true road win of the season in the process. The Tigers improved to 18-7, 6-6 in the SEC, staying above water for the stretch run — the final six games of the regular season.
But before we look ahead, let’s look back at the five most important statistics from that 64-53 win over the Commodores, who remain winless in the SEC.
Malik Dunbar: 30 minutes
Dunbar playing 30 minutes was a real break from the norm for Auburn, who hadn’t played more than 22 minute in a conference game this year, and had only three games prior with more than 20 minutes in the SEC season.
What this shows to me is that Auburn believes Dunbar gives them something that they can’t get anywhere else, and has been lacking. Strong defensive rebounding and interior scoring. Auburn has been the less physical team so many times this season. Dunbar is one of their most physical players.
He scored 13 rebounds, had five rebounds and two blocks. He had a huge dunk and got to the line because he drew a foul under the basket on an out-of-bounds play. Might seem small, but it all counts for an AU team that made eight 2-point shots on Saturday.
Eight 2-point baskets
This is the second time in SEC play that Auburn has recorded just eight 2-point shots. That might get you a win against a bad Vanderbilt team that has lost 13-straight games. But it won’t get Auburn wins against anyone else.
A lot of these issues are because center Austin Wiley has been relegated to a role where he basically can’t contribute. He played 11 minutes, a high since returning from a lower leg injury, but was 0-of-4 from the field, and has made one basket in 27 minutes of action since his return.
Anfernee McLemore had just one 2-point attempt, and Horace Spencer, not a great scorer, was 1-of-4.
Auburn will win games and lose games based on its 3-point shooting. But those 3-point shots open up if you prove that you can go inside. The Tigers aren’t proving that.
29-19 rebounding deficit
Again, Auburn can work around a large rebounding deficit against Vanderbilt. But it’s becoming a disturbing trend that they can’t secure defensive rebounds. Auburn’s defensive efficiency numbers are skyrocketing — a good thing — but they’re not dominating games because all of those good defensive possessions are going to waste because they don’t rebound.
Vanderbilt had 14 offensive rebounds and AU had 19 defensive boards. That’s a bad ratio.
44 percent shooting in the 2nd half
The Tigers offense finally showed some signs of life in the second half as they pulled away late to get the win. They were 5-of-11 from behind the arc in the second half, and even made six 2-point baskets.
After the 55-point showing at home against Ole Miss on Tuesday, and a dreadful second half against LSU the Saturday before, Auburn needed to break its cold streak. The second half might have been that moment.
J’Von McCormick: 7 minutes, 0 points, 1 rebound, 0 assists
Bruce Pearl spoke during the week of his need to have viable backup options at guard for Bryce Brown and Jared Harper. He then called out McCormick for not playing well, and needing to get his confidence.
Again, McCormick did not have a good game. He didn’t play much. But he’s not really noticeable even when he’s out there. Not taking shots, getting to the rim, creating good offense. Things he’s shown he can do against good competition.