ATLANTA, GEORGIA (EETV) After the NCAA’s announcement of sanctions against the Auburn basketball program on Friday afternoon, Bruce Pearl’s squad was faced with an unusual challenge when it appeared for the 2021 installment of the Holiday Hoopsgiving showcase at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. Although the squad likely does not wish to push on without its coach for more than the two required games, Saturday’s 99-68 victory over Nebraska served as a testament to the team’s skill.
From the contest’s very beginning it was clear that the floor belonged to standout freshman — and seemingly certain NBA draft lottery pick — Jabari Smith. Following the opening tip-off, the Tigers fed Smith who knocked down the first bucket of the contest and did not slow down.
The 6-foot-10 freshman posted 12 points in the first half; his teammates feasted off the spark he provided, shooting 39.5 percent from the field, 41.2 percent from beyond the arc, forcing the Huskers into 11 turnovers and building a remarkable 17-point lead.
The orange and blue headed to the locker room at halftime leading its opponent 45-28 and returned to the court for the final 20 minutes of regulation with the same energy it left with.
Auburn was — once again — first on the board via a perimeter shot off the hands of Smith; however, the second half did not belong solely to him as sophomore guard Wendell Green Jr. introduced himself to basketball fans in Atlanta.
Just when the Huskers had succeeded in cutting the Tiger lead to just 14, Green decided it was his turn to take over. The EKU transfer knocked down a trio of deep threes, propelling the Tigers lead over 20 points and forcing the Huskers into a hole the red and white which eventually proved insurmountable.
Green was pleased with his 19-point performance in the contest.
"I thought I played pretty well," Green said. "I limited my turnovers today just trying to be consistent with my jumpshot more."
The sophomore accredits his on-court improvement and confidence to continue putting up shots from range to his teammate's belief in his abilities.
"I just know my temmates believe in me," Green said. "Once I hit one, I can hit three or four or five."
Although the emeging star was proud of his own performance, he also made a point to commend his team's ability to get the job done in the abscence in Pearl and mention his excitement for interim coach Wes Flanigan.
“It was great just seeing the success of someone else," Green said. "It’s great to see somebody else be happy. He let us play just like BP would.”
Smith, Green and the rest of the Tigers will return to action on Tuesday night when the orange and blue play host to the University of North Alabama at Auburn arena at 8:00 p.m. CST. Steven Pearl will serve as the team's second interim coach in as many games.
