Against Ole Miss, the Auburn Tigers hope to overcome their 3-point slump.

The Auburn Tigers have had a challenging stretch this season, especially when it comes to their 3-point shooting. Despite having an array of talented players, Auburn has struggled to consistently knock down shots from beyond the arc. Heading into their matchup against Ole Miss, the Tigers are hoping to break free from their shooting slump and regain their rhythm on offense. With a critical SEC showdown on the horizon, this game provides the perfect opportunity for Auburn to turn things around.

In this article, we’ll dive into Auburn’s struggles from 3-point range, explore why it has been an area of concern, analyze the team’s potential strategies to overcome it, and look at how their performance in this game against Ole Miss could shape their trajectory for the remainder of the season. We’ll also examine the key players to watch, the importance of the game for Auburn’s postseason hopes, and what Ole Miss will bring to the table in this pivotal SEC clash.

Auburn’s 3-Point Struggles: A Season-Long Issue

Throughout much of the season, Auburn’s shooting from beyond the arc has been a source of frustration. As a team, the Tigers have struggled to find consistency in their perimeter shooting, often missing open looks and failing to establish a reliable outside game. While the team has had success in other aspects of their offense, including driving to the basket and utilizing their size and athleticism, the inability to knock down 3-pointers has kept them from reaching their full offensive potential.

The numbers tell the story. Auburn’s 3-point shooting percentage has been below the SEC average, and it has been one of the main factors contributing to their occasional offensive stagnation. Against top-tier SEC opponents, Auburn has found it difficult to match the offensive output of teams that excel in shooting from long range. With teams like Alabama, Arkansas, and Kentucky capitalizing on their outside shooting, Auburn has often been forced to play catch-up when their shots aren’t falling.

This slump from 3-point range is particularly concerning because it doesn’t just impact Auburn’s offensive efficiency; it also limits the team’s spacing and ability to create open looks in the half-court offense. When the Tigers are unable to spread the floor with the threat of the 3-pointer, defenses can pack the paint, making it more difficult for players like Johni Broome and Jaylin Williams to operate inside.

However, despite these challenges, there is optimism for Auburn to break out of their shooting funk. With the right adjustments, a few key players finding their rhythm, and some strategic tweaks, the Tigers can once again become a more potent offensive team from beyond the arc.

The Importance of 3-Point Shooting for Auburn

To understand the significance of Auburn’s 3-point struggles, it’s essential to recognize how integral outside shooting is to the team’s overall offensive strategy. While Auburn is known for its fast-paced style, athleticism, and ability to score in transition, the Tigers’ success in the half-court offense often depends on the ability to stretch the floor and create driving lanes for their ball handlers.

When Auburn is shooting well from 3-point range, it forces opposing defenses to respect the perimeter, which opens up driving lanes for players like Wendell Green Jr. and K.D. Johnson. Both of these guards are incredibly adept at getting into the paint and creating opportunities for themselves and their teammates. However, when the 3-point shot isn’t falling, defenses can collapse inside, making it harder for Auburn’s guards to penetrate and find easy looks at the basket.

Additionally, when the Tigers are able to hit shots from the outside, it can lead to high-scoring runs and give them a significant boost of momentum. This is especially crucial in the SEC, where games are often decided in stretches of sustained offensive efficiency. Auburn needs to be able to match the high-scoring output of teams that rely on perimeter shooting to stay competitive.

While Auburn’s defense is often its strong suit, and their athleticism allows them to get by in close games, the Tigers cannot afford to be too one-dimensional. If they want to continue contending for high seeds in the SEC tournament and make a deep run in the NCAA tournament, improving their 3-point shooting must be a priority.

Ole Miss: A Tough SEC Opponent

In Auburn’s upcoming matchup against Ole Miss, the team faces a formidable opponent that has proven to be a tough test in the SEC this season. The Ole Miss Rebels have been competitive in nearly every game they’ve played and possess a well-balanced team with several capable players who can make a difference. While Ole Miss has struggled in certain areas, they have been solid defensively, and their ability to force turnovers and disrupt offenses will be a challenge for Auburn.

Ole Miss has traditionally been a team that has given Auburn fits, especially in games where the Tigers have been less than sharp offensively. The Rebels will look to take advantage of Auburn’s 3-point shooting struggles and force them into situations where they have to rely on a limited offensive game plan. If Auburn cannot break their slump from beyond the arc, Ole Miss could have the upper hand.

One of the key players for Ole Miss in this matchup will be Matthew Murrell, a guard who has been the team’s leading scorer and has the ability to score from all areas of the floor. Murrell’s ability to stretch the floor and create scoring opportunities will be important for Ole Miss, as it can force Auburn’s defense to adjust and potentially open up lanes for other players.

On the defensive side of the ball, Ole Miss is solid in guarding the perimeter, but their defense can be vulnerable when faced with teams that are capable of knocking down 3-pointers consistently. If Auburn can get hot from beyond the arc early, it will put pressure on Ole Miss and force them to adjust their defensive schemes.

For Auburn, this game presents an opportunity to regain confidence in their shooting and put an end to the slump. It also gives them a chance to test their ability to execute offensively against a solid defensive team while continuing to showcase their depth and talent.

Key Players to Watch for Auburn

Auburn will need some key players to step up in their 3-point shooting efforts against Ole Miss. While the entire team has been inconsistent from beyond the arc, certain players have the potential to break out and give the Tigers a much-needed boost.

Wendell Green Jr.: Green is one of Auburn’s most explosive players and a key contributor to their offense. Although he has had his ups and downs from deep this season, he is more than capable of getting hot in a hurry. Green’s ability to knock down threes off the dribble and in transition could be crucial in breaking the 3-point slump. If he can hit a couple of early shots, it could open things up for the entire offense.

K.D. Johnson: Known for his fiery intensity and scoring ability, Johnson can be a difference-maker when he’s on. Johnson has the ability to create shots for himself and others, but his success from beyond the arc will be critical for Auburn to stretch Ole Miss’ defense. If Johnson can get going from deep, it will force Ole Miss to respect his outside shooting, which will, in turn, create opportunities for his teammates to capitalize on.

Jaylin Williams: A key piece of Auburn’s frontcourt, Williams has shown that he is more than capable of knocking down the occasional 3-pointer. His size and versatility allow him to stretch the floor, and if he can be a reliable threat from deep, it would significantly help Auburn’s spacing on offense.

Johni Broome: Broome’s impact on the game goes beyond his scoring ability, but his outside shooting can make a huge difference for Auburn. As a player who can stretch the floor, Broome’s ability to knock down 3-pointers would force defenses to adjust and potentially open up lanes for him to attack the basket.

Strategies for Auburn to Overcome the Slump

While Auburn’s 3-point shooting struggles have been an issue, there are several strategies the Tigers can implement to overcome this challenge. First and foremost, shot selection is key. Auburn has often settled for contested or rushed 3-pointers, which have contributed to their low shooting percentages. Instead, they should look to create better shot opportunities by moving the ball, running effective plays, and finding open shooters.

Another important factor is spacing and ball movement. When Auburn is able to spread the floor and move the ball quickly, it creates better looks from deep and allows for easier shooting opportunities. By driving the ball and kicking it out to open shooters, Auburn can force Ole Miss’ defense to collapse, which opens up the perimeter for the Tigers.

Finally, confidence will play a big role in Auburn’s ability to break out of the slump. The players need to believe in their shooting ability and take shots with the right mentality. Getting off to a fast start from beyond the arc could provide the confidence boost needed to keep the shots falling for the remainder of the game.