Auburn will welcome the Vanderbilt Commodores into Auburn Arena this afternoon as SEC play continues. This is game two of the year against the Commodores. The first one didn't go so well for the Tigers in Nashville, as they dropped the game 75-57.
What's changed since that game? Well, Auburn doesn't have Kareem Canty, anymore. He's left the team and will enter the 2016 NBA Draft. That leaves Auburn with having to struggle to find a consistent scoring threat. The Tigers have lived and died by the three point shot all season long since they can't find a way to make a lay-up.
To top things off, Tyler Harris has been struggling with some back issues the last two games. He left for the second half of the Tennessee game and did not return.
If there have been bright spots at times, it's been in the play of freshmen Bryce Brown and New Williams. Brown, when he's hot, is every bit as capable as Canty at hitting the three ball. New Williams showed some serious enthusiasm and athleticism on the court against the Vols, but he's still very raw and also still struggling with his knee problem.
The Commodores meanwhile are 6-5 in conference and have some pretty good wins, including an upset win against Texas A&M. They've rebounded well since starting out 0-3 in conference play.
This is going to be a very tough game for the Tigers. The home court advantage should provide a bit of a boost (get there early to get your Chuck Person Bobblehead!), but I don't know if even that will be enough for this team. It is just an absolute shell of what it was when the season started. I still believe a 100% healthy and eligible Auburn team would be making a run in the conference right now, but that's just not where they are. The Tigers are down to just a few bench players, and every single game is going to be a struggle from here on in. TJ Dunans returning could boost their play, but I'm not even sure if that would matter all that much, right now.
How to Watch Live, Online, TV
Time: 6pm Eastern / 5pm Central
TV: ESPN2
Streaming: WatchESPN
Listen: Auburn IMG Network