Auburn Tigers' Defense Falters in Loss

0:00On March 1st, Auburn Tigers lost to Ole Miss 85-79 on Saturday night in Neville, Arena. The Tigers were heavy favorites against the Rebels team on a 10-game losing streak, but they could not pull it out. Forward, Kushan Murphy did not start due to a disciplinary issue for showing up late to a film session, and he only scored two points in limited minutes off the bench. Murphy averages about 11 points in seven rebounds this season after transferring from Mississippi State. This benching marks the latest in a string of discipline problems under first-year coach Stephen Pearl, including recent actions against Kushan Hall. Tahad, Pete Ford, and Kaden Magwood for not meeting team standards. Pearl has urged the team to eliminate distractions and focus on basketball, but since that plea, Auburn is just one in three. The Tigers have dropped seven of their last-day games and sit at 15 wins and 14 losses, putting their NCAA tournament hopes in serious. Jeopardy after last year's number one seed and final four run.

1:02Defensive breakdowns have plagued them, like allowing Ole Miss to shoot over 50% from the field, and 10-3 pointers on Saturday. Earlier, they let Mississippi State score 46 points from one player in a loss. Auburn faces must-win games against LSU and Alabama before the SEC tournament, and they need strong defense and unity to salvage a postseason bid.