The Auburn Tigers want to keep up their momentum as they travel west to play No. 15 Oklahoma on Monday night.

As the college basketball season progresses, momentum can make all the difference in determining whether a team reaches its potential. For the Auburn Tigers, the 2024-2025 season has been filled with ups and downs, but as they travel west for a crucial Monday night showdown against No. 15 Oklahoma, they have the chance to prove they are ready for the NCAA Tournament and that their recent form is not just a flash in the pan.

Heading into this contest, the Tigers have looked like a team finding its groove. With an impressive record within the SEC and notable victories on their resume, Auburn is preparing for a tough road trip that will test both their offensive and defensive capabilities. Their opponent, Oklahoma, is no slouch. Ranked No. 15, the Sooners are known for their strong defense, well-coached offense, and ability to execute in high-pressure situations. For Auburn, this game represents not just another chance to boost their ranking but also to continue their ascent toward securing a favorable seed in the NCAA Tournament.

This article will break down the key storylines surrounding Auburn’s upcoming battle against Oklahoma, including the Tigers’ current momentum, the challenges posed by their opponent, key individual matchups, and what the Tigers need to do to come out victorious.

1. Auburn’s Recent Momentum: Building Confidence

The Tigers come into this game riding high on a four-game winning streak. After a rocky start to the season, including some frustrating losses against lesser opponents, Auburn has found its rhythm and is playing some of its best basketball of the year. A combination of solid defense, an improving offense, and an increasingly confident bench has helped Auburn click at just the right time.

The most notable performance during this run was a dramatic victory over No. 6 Kentucky. Despite being on the road, the Tigers delivered a nearly flawless performance on both sides of the ball. Auburn’s defense was stifling, forcing Kentucky into difficult shots and limiting their high-scoring offense to just 60 points. Offensively, the Tigers moved the ball with purpose, with standout players like Jabari Smith and Walker Kessler providing scoring and rebounding.

That victory over Kentucky gave the Tigers a massive confidence boost, but it wasn’t just about beating a highly ranked team. Auburn showed that they could execute a complete game plan, limit turnovers, and make key plays down the stretch. Since then, Auburn has continued to improve, with their most recent win coming against South Carolina, where the Tigers exhibited an even more balanced offensive attack and stifling defense, winning by 18 points.

2. The Challenge of Facing No. 15 Oklahoma

While Auburn’s recent form has been impressive, their upcoming game against Oklahoma will be their biggest test in the past several weeks. The Sooners, ranked No. 15 in the nation, are known for their strong all-around play, particularly on the defensive end. Under head coach Porter Moser, Oklahoma has developed a reputation for gritty, defensive basketball, combined with a highly efficient offensive scheme that works well against high-pressure defenses.

Oklahoma enters this game with a 15-4 overall record, including key wins over teams like Texas Tech and Kansas State. The Sooners’ balanced approach on both ends of the floor has made them a tough opponent for any team. They are strong in transition offense, relying on sharp passing, efficient shooting, and a commitment to working for open looks. They are also excellent at limiting opponent scoring, often suffocating teams with their ability to defend in half-court situations.

Oklahoma is led by Oklahoma City native and guard Tanner Groves, who has been a standout on both ends of the floor. Groves is averaging 15.8 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, and his leadership and ability to stretch the floor have made him the focal point of Oklahoma’s offensive attack. Alongside Groves, the Sooners also have a dynamic scorer in Jalen Hill, who is averaging 13.2 points per game. Hill has the ability to take over games, especially when his teammates are looking to create opportunities for him.

What makes Oklahoma especially dangerous is their depth and ability to play a complete team game. While Groves and Hill provide scoring punch, others like Elijah Harkless and Jordan Goldwire are capable of stepping up in key moments. The Sooners are also one of the most well-coached teams in the country, with Moser instilling a defensive-first mentality that allows his team to win games even when the offense struggles.

For Auburn, facing a team like Oklahoma requires discipline, focus, and careful attention to detail. The Tigers will need to match Oklahoma’s intensity on defense and create their own offensive opportunities by controlling the pace of the game.

3. Key Matchups: Battle in the Paint

One of the key matchups in this game will take place in the paint, where Auburn’s strength lies. The Tigers are a big, athletic team, led by Walker Kessler, the 7-foot center who has been a dominant force in the middle all season long. Kessler is averaging a double-double, with 14.4 points and 10.5 rebounds per game, and he’s a menace on defense, averaging 3.1 blocks per contest. His presence in the paint, both as a shot-blocker and rebounder, will be crucial for Auburn against an Oklahoma team that is just as comfortable attacking the rim as they are shooting from the perimeter.

Kessler will likely draw a matchup against Tanner Groves, Oklahoma’s leading scorer. Groves, at 6-foot-9, provides a versatile offensive game with the ability to stretch the floor and knock down three-pointers. He is a difficult matchup for Kessler due to his ability to move fluidly around the court, but Kessler’s length and shot-blocking ability could make Groves’ life difficult inside. If Kessler can limit Groves’ production, Auburn will have a strong chance of taking control of the game.

Another key player in the paint for Auburn is Jabari Smith, who at 6-foot-10 has the versatility to stretch the floor and play both inside and out. Smith has been a revelation this season, averaging 17.2 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. His ability to hit mid-range jump shots and three-pointers, combined with his length and athleticism, makes him a matchup nightmare. Smith will likely be tasked with guarding Jalen Hill or another Oklahoma forward, and his ability to get to the basket and stretch the floor will be vital for Auburn’s offense.

4. Guard Play: Who Will Lead the Charge?

While the battle in the paint will be important, guard play will also play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of this game. Auburn’s backcourt, led by Zep Jasper, has been solid but inconsistent throughout the season. Jasper, a senior, has been a steady presence for Auburn, averaging 9.1 points and 3.5 assists per game. However, his ability to create offense when the team struggles is crucial to Auburn’s success.

Jasper will likely be matched up against Oklahoma’s Jordan Goldwire, who has been one of the most consistent defenders in the Big 12. Goldwire, a senior guard transfer from Duke, excels at pressuring the ball and disrupting opposing offenses. If Jasper can control the tempo of the game and make the right decisions with the basketball, he can help Auburn’s offense flow and get open looks for Kessler and Smith.

On the other side, Oklahoma’s Elijah Harkless will be a key player to watch. Harkless, who averages 11.1 points per game, is known for his ability to score in transition and create opportunities for himself and his teammates. Auburn’s defense will need to limit his transition opportunities and prevent him from getting easy baskets in the open court. Harkless’ defensive prowess will also challenge Auburn’s guards to stay composed and avoid turning the ball over, which could give Oklahoma easy scoring opportunities.

5. Keys to Victory for Auburn

For Auburn to keep their momentum going and secure a crucial road win over No. 15 Oklahoma, there are several factors they will need to execute on both ends of the floor.

• Control the Paint: With Kessler and Smith inside, Auburn needs to dominate the paint. This means winning the battle on the boards, getting second-chance opportunities, and making sure Tanner Groves and Jalen Hill don’t have free rein to attack the rim.
• Guard Play: Auburn’s backcourt, led by Zep Jasper and K.D. Johnson, needs to be steady. They must avoid turnovers, execute in half-court sets, and create open shots for their bigs. Jasper’s defense on Goldwire and Johnson’s ability to attack the basket will be key.
• Defensive Discipline: Auburn has shown flashes of elite defense, but they must remain focused throughout the game. Limiting Oklahoma’s transition offense and defending the perimeter will be key in keeping the Sooners from getting into a rhythm.
• Depth and Bench Contributions: Auburn’s bench has been crucial in their recent stretch of success. Players like Chris Moore and Allen Flanigan will need to provide important minutes off the bench, especially against an Oklahoma team that has a deep rotation.

A Pivotal Game for Auburn

Monday night’s matchup between Auburn and Oklahoma is a pivotal one for both teams. For the Tigers, this game represents an opportunity to not only secure a big road win but also to continue building momentum as they head into the final stretch of the season. If Auburn can execute their game plan, control the paint, and play disciplined defense, they have a good chance of keeping their win streak alive and securing a signature victory.

With the NCAA Tournament looming large, every game counts. For Auburn, this contest against a top-15 team on the road is the perfect stage to prove they belong among the nation’s elite.