The USC Trojans play host to the Auburn Tigers on Sunday evening in a crucial non-conference showdown from the Galen Center. Auburn comes into this one with only a single loss on the season after an impressive run in the first few months. For USC, they lost some talent themselves but has been impressive, especially of late. These two haven't squared off in years but given how well they've played over the last few seasons, there's no doubt that this will be an exciting matchup.
After spending much of last season as one of college basketball's highest-ranked teams, the Tigers have bounced back nicely from an early March exit to find themselves surging again. Their lone loss came to Memphis, which is far from a bad loss, especially this season, though they continue to be without an impressive win. The schedule will certainly get more difficult once SEC play rolls around, so they know that a game like this one, which will be their first true road game of the season, could go a long way toward helping them down the line. A trip out to California is never easy and Auburn would do well to keep this one close.
It might not help matters that Auburn has a key injury to worry about coming into Sunday. Wendell Green Jr. (ankle) is questionable for this tilt after leaving early from their last game. As their leading scorer and top decision-maker in the backcourt, it could be a challenge if he's unable to go.
California chillin' ????? pic.twitter.com/SffdQLefaN
— Auburn Basketball (@AuburnMBB) December 17, 2022
Last year, the offense led the way for the Tigers, though this year the defense has been the differentiator. Auburn's defense ranks 32nd nationally in scoring and 30th in field-goal percentage defense, while also sitting 14th against the three. Johni Broome (3.1 bpg) has led the way as an elite rim protector, while Jaylin Williams (1.6 spg) has used his length on the perimeter to slow down foes. With Green Jr. (13.8 ppg) potentially sitting this one out, it adds even more need for the defense to step up.