Three things to remember from Auburn basketball’s resounding victory over Oklahoma

The Auburn Tigers once again asserted their dominance in college basketball, delivering a resounding victory over the Oklahoma Sooners. As one of the top teams in the nation, Auburn’s performance in this game was a clear statement of their ability to control the flow of the game, impose their will, and outlast opponents who dare to challenge them. The Sooners entered the game with hopes of testing their mettle against the No. 1 team in the country, but by the final buzzer, the Tigers left little doubt as to why they are considered one of the elite programs in the sport. With a dominant second-half performance, Auburn crushed Oklahoma and further solidified their place atop the national rankings.

While there were many takeaways from the game, three key aspects of Auburn’s victory stood out. These elements defined the outcome and will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the trajectory of both teams as the season continues. As Auburn continues their championship push, here are three things to remember from their impressive win over Oklahoma.

1. Auburn’s Defense: An Unstoppable Force

One of the most glaring takeaways from Auburn’s victory over Oklahoma was the Tigers’ suffocating defense, which completely stifled Oklahoma’s offensive attack. Auburn’s defensive intensity was felt throughout the game, but it was particularly evident in the second half when the Tigers blew the game open and left Oklahoma scrambling for answers.

Auburn’s defense, which has been a hallmark of Bruce Pearl’s coaching philosophy, was in full display throughout the contest. The Tigers’ ability to switch on screens, contest shots, and force turnovers was overwhelming for the Sooners. Auburn utilized its size, athleticism, and depth to disrupt Oklahoma’s offensive flow, preventing the Sooners from finding any rhythm.

At the forefront of Auburn’s defensive effort was the presence of shot-blocker extraordinaire, Walker Kessler. Kessler, who has been one of the top rim protectors in the nation, was a constant deterrent to any Oklahoma player attempting to attack the basket. His ability to alter shots and erase scoring opportunities at the rim completely changed the dynamics of the game. The Sooners, who had been successful attacking the basket in previous games, were unable to finish around the hoop against Kessler’s shot-blocking prowess. As a result, Oklahoma was forced to take outside shots that were heavily contested, leading to a poor shooting performance.

The Tigers’ defense didn’t just rely on individual brilliance; it was also a team effort. Auburn’s defense is built on a cohesive system where everyone is engaged in both on-ball and off-ball defense. The Tigers’ relentless pursuit of the basketball, their communication on defense, and their ability to rotate quickly when Oklahoma tried to break down their defense all contributed to the Sooners’ struggles. Even when Oklahoma managed to penetrate, Auburn’s defenders were quick to recover, contest shots, and force difficult decisions. The Sooners were consistently forced into low-percentage shots, which contributed to their dismal shooting performance.

Additionally, Auburn’s defensive pressure translated into transition opportunities. When the Tigers forced turnovers or grabbed defensive rebounds, they didn’t waste any time. They pushed the ball up the court at lightning speed, creating easy fast-break opportunities. This rapid pace caught Oklahoma off guard and made it even harder for the Sooners to get back into the game. Auburn’s ability to turn defense into offense is one of their defining traits, and it played a key role in this dominant win.

Overall, Auburn’s defense was the catalyst for their success. They locked down Oklahoma’s offense, neutralized the Sooners’ scoring threats, and forced them into uncomfortable situations. The Tigers’ defensive dominance was one of the primary reasons why the Sooners struggled to keep up, and it set the tone for the rest of the game.

2. Jabari Smith’s All-Around Dominance

Another key takeaway from Auburn’s victory was the outstanding performance of freshman phenom Jabari Smith. The highly touted forward continued to showcase why he is considered one of the best players in college basketball, delivering a masterclass in both scoring and rebounding. Smith was an absolute force for Auburn, contributing in multiple facets of the game and helping the Tigers break the game wide open in the second half.

Smith’s ability to score from all areas of the floor was on full display against Oklahoma. Whether it was knocking down mid-range jumpers, hitting three-pointers, or finishing in transition, Smith demonstrated his versatility as a scorer. What stood out the most was his poise and composure on the court, even when the game was close early on. As the Tigers took control in the second half, Smith’s ability to hit timely shots and stretch the floor became a significant factor in Auburn’s dominance.

However, Smith’s impact wasn’t limited to just scoring. His rebounding was critical for Auburn, particularly on the defensive glass. Smith was active on the boards, consistently securing rebounds to limit Oklahoma’s second-chance opportunities. By controlling the glass, Auburn was able to dictate the pace of the game and prevent the Sooners from gaining any momentum.

One of the most impressive aspects of Smith’s game was his defense. As a player with elite athleticism and length, Smith was a key part of Auburn’s defense, often guarding multiple positions. He was able to switch onto smaller players and contest shots, while also using his length to disrupt passing lanes and create turnovers. Smith’s defensive versatility allows him to guard nearly every player on the court, and his ability to be a defensive presence while still contributing on offense makes him a complete player.

What truly sets Smith apart is his basketball IQ and unselfishness. Even though he was the focal point of Auburn’s offense, he never forced bad shots or played out of control. Instead, Smith let the game come to him and showcased his ability to make the right decisions. His efficiency on both ends of the floor allowed Auburn to run away with the game and maintain control over the course of the contest.

In a game that saw Auburn assert its dominance, Jabari Smith’s all-around brilliance was the centerpiece of the Tigers’ success. His scoring, rebounding, and defense were all pivotal in Auburn’s comprehensive win over Oklahoma, and it’s becoming clearer that Smith is one of the top players in the country.

3. Auburn’s Depth and Balanced Attack

While the individual brilliance of Jabari Smith and Walker Kessler stood out, one of the most important factors in Auburn’s victory was their overall team depth and balanced offensive attack. Auburn is a team that doesn’t rely on one or two players to carry the load—they have numerous contributors who can step up and make an impact, and this balance allows them to overwhelm opponents.

Against Oklahoma, Auburn showed their offensive depth in a variety of ways. In addition to Smith’s 20+ points, the Tigers received valuable contributions from several other players, each playing a crucial role in the team’s success. Kessler, who is known for his defense, was also an offensive threat, scoring efficiently around the basket and providing Auburn with another option in the post. Guards like Wendell Green Jr. and KD Johnson were able to create opportunities, both for themselves and for their teammates, running the offense and setting up scoring plays. Green’s ability to distribute the ball, combined with his scoring acumen, kept Oklahoma’s defense on its heels throughout the game.

This balanced offensive attack made it difficult for Oklahoma to focus on any one player, as the Sooners had to account for multiple scoring threats. Auburn’s depth also meant that they could keep fresh legs on the court at all times, which allowed them to continue pushing the tempo and wearing down Oklahoma over the course of the game. Even when one player was neutralized or struggled, Auburn had others who could step up and keep the offense flowing seamlessly.

Auburn’s offensive balance, combined with their defensive dominance, created a perfect storm for Oklahoma. The Sooners had no answers for the Tigers’ varied attack, and as the game wore on, Auburn’s depth became even more evident. The Tigers never lacked for scoring, and their ability to rotate fresh players into the game allowed them to maintain a high level of intensity for the full 40 minutes.

 Auburn’s Championship Contender Status Solidified

Auburn’s resounding victory over Oklahoma further cemented their place as one of the top teams in college basketball. From their dominant defense to their offensive balance, the Tigers demonstrated why they are one of the favorites to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. While Jabari Smith and Walker Kessler’s individual performances were crucial, it was the team’s depth and overall play that allowed them to overpower Oklahoma.

For the Sooners, the loss was a sobering reminder of the challenges they face in the SEC, especially when going up against top-tier competition like Auburn. Oklahoma will need to regroup and improve on both ends of the floor if they hope to stay competitive in the conference and make a push for the NCAA Tournament.

As for Auburn, this victory only adds to their already impressive resume. With a balanced attack, elite defense, and one of the most talented rosters in the country, the Tigers have established themselves as a legitimate championship contender. If they continue to play with this level of intensity and cohesion, Auburn will be a force to be reckoned with in the postseason.