AUBURN, Ala. – Vermont validated all of Bruce Pearl’s concerns when the Catamounts beat UAB Monday in Birmingham.
Even before that eyebrow-raising result, Auburn’s coach had already sounded the alarm about the challenge the Tigers will face Wednesday when Vermont visits Neville Arena for Tipoff on The Plains.
“Vermont is very Yale-like, which should concern us all,” said Pearl, referencing Auburn’s 2024 NCAA Tournament first-round opponent. “They’ve been picked to win their league (America East) eight of the last 10 years. We knew this was going to be a game against the (NCAA Tournament) field.”
TJ Hurley, a 6-5 junior guard, scored 20 points in Vermont’s 67-62 win over UAB. The Catamounts committed only five turnovers and made 10 3-pointers while holding the Blazers to 0-for-10 from 3-point range.
“A completely different opponent than we played on Friday night,” Pearl said, noting Vermont’s deliberate pace. “This game is going to be a third fewer possessions than we had the other night. We’re going to have to take good shots. There won’t be quite as much freedom.”
In last Friday’s exhibition, No. 11 Auburn beat Florida Atlantic 102-70.
“I’d like to see us continue to grow defensively,” Pearl said. “We rebounded extremely well the last couple games, our size and commitment to it.”
Aside from the challenges Vermont presents, Pearl’s next concern is the vibe, from the hype room to The Jungle. The Florida Atlantic game, though an exhibition, took place the night before a home football game and featured the adrenaline that accompanies the season’s first home game.
“I was happy for the kids Friday night that they got to play in front of a sell-out crowd against a pretty good team, and we played so well,” Pearl said. “We were excited about playing. I want the same energy in the building. We’re going to have to bring some of that energy ourselves. Let’s treat this one like it’s the opener.”
Season No. 11 of Auburn’s Bruce Pearl era tips off Wednesday at 7 p.m. CT on the Auburn Sports Network and SEC Network+.
“We’re going to find out where we’re at,” Pearl said. “We’re excited about getting started.”
Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on X: @jeff_shearer