Auburn basketball defeated Kent State 79-56 in a dangerous midweek contest.
The No. 5 Auburn Tigers took down a feisty Kent State, which provided a mid-week challenge after the Tigers’ high of defeating No. 4 Houston on Saturday.
After an early lead, it seemed as if the Tigers would cruise to another victory. Still, the Golden Flashes hung around and brought the game within two possessions on multiple occasions before the Tigers could pull away at the end for the 79-56 victory.
Takeaway #1: Chaney Johnson
Despite coming off the bench, Chaney Johnson led the Tigers in total minutes against the Golden Flashes, deservedly so. Johnson recorded his third straight game scoring in double figures and was tied with Johni Broome for team leaders in points Wednesday with 18.
In addition to Johnson’s 18 points he notched five rebounds, four assists and shot 8-for-11 from the field.
“My teammates are trusting me, coach Pearl is getting me the ball in the right spots, and I’m just making shots,” Johnson said. “I did come in with a bigger chip on my shoulder because I knew I was going to have to take the spot that J-Will (Jaylin Williams) filled so well. Trusting in my work and playing with more confidence.”
In the absence of teammates Jahki Howard and Ja’Heim Hudson these past two games, Johnson has taken the primary role off the bench and carried the load of scoring off the bench as he accounted for 18 of the 31 bench points Wednesday.
If he continues to play at this level, it is reasonable to believe that his role will increase even when Auburn sees the return of Howard and Hudson.
Takeaway #2: Scoring droughts
Auburn jumped out to a 30-8 lead quickly in the first half, and it appeared that Auburn planned on running away with the lead and giving the fans in the Jungle a quick and neat game.
However, the Golden Flashes refused to lay down and outscored Auburn 22-6 in the final seven minutes of the half, cutting the halftime lead to 14.
It took Auburn nearly five minutes to get its 32nd point, and it was clear that the offense hit a wall. They did not know how to adjust to the defense Kent State Rob Senderoff sent them.
With a 14-point lead, Auburn fans hoped their team would come out of the break firing and expand the lead. Kent State quickly brought the game within five points, and Auburn entered another early scoring drought.
The Tigers eventually pulled away, but it is a reasonable concern for fans to see their team go without scoring for long periods against an inferior opponent.
Takeaway #3: JP Pegues
The Furman transfer averaged 18.4 PPG last season, and the fans are wondering when they will see that version of the guard who could score from anywhere and hit March Madness buzzer-beaters.
After scoring eight points in his Auburn debut against Vermont, the guard has gone ice cold from the field, shooting a combined 0-for-6 and scoring four total points strictly from the free throw line.
With another impressive performance from freshman guard Taahad Pettiford, it raises questions about who should be in the starting lineup. If Pearl wants to optimize, it might mean consistently bringing the senior guard off the bench.
Next up for Auburn (3-0): vs. North Alabama (3-0) – Nov. 9 at 9 p.m. EST
Next up for Kent State (2-1): vs. Niagara (1-2) – Nov. 21 at 6 p.m. EST