:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51982161/usa-today-9143408.0.jpeg)
Auburn is in the championship game for the Cancun Challenge and they're undefeated for the season. Did you see that coming?
The Tigers got here by way of holding off a late rally by Texas Tech last night for the 67-65 victory. Purdue knocked off Utah State last night.
Here is what Tuco had to say about the Boilermakers in his preview for the Cancun Challenge:
Purdue came into this season with high expectations, expected to finish second in a top-heavy Big Ten.
On paper, this is a bad matchup for Auburn because Purdue has been billed as the "most physical team in the country." Sophomore power forward Caleb Swanigan is 6'9", 250, has a 7'3" wingspan, a nice touch from 3, and averages 21 points and 13 boards per contest. Swanigan was the #9 recruit in his high school class and is living up to the hype.
Swanigan is joined on the block by junior center Isaac Haas (no relation), a Hokes Bluff, Alabama, native who runs 7'2", 290. Haas has been underwhelming on the glass for a man that size, grabbing only three boards per game but is paying his rent on the offensive end of the floor where he's pouring in 18 per game. Haas also has the reputation for getting into foul trouble.
The Boilermakers' only loss this year came in a squeaker against top 5, defending champs Villinova. But, Purdue needed a late, 20-0 run to knock off Georgia State this season. Georgia State actually out-rebounded Purdue by 9. The Tigers pulled away from the Panthers early so, we may have a chance but I really don't like a matchup against big, bruising interior players.
This will be by far Auburn's toughest challenge of the season. We can hope that the previous four games have given the Tigers a lot of confidence and an education on how to play together.
How to Watch, Stream, Listen:
Time: 5:00pm Central
TV: CBS Sports Network
Stream: None (legal, anyway)
Listen: Auburn Sports Network