Kentucky could hold a major advantage from beyond the arc when it travels to face Auburn tonight.
Through 13 SEC games, Auburn has struggled more than any other conference team at defending the three-point line. The Tigers are allowing league opponents to shoot 40 percent from deep — the worst mark in the SEC.
Six different conference teams have knocked down double-digit threes against Auburn, including Mississippi State, which went 16-for-30 from long range in a 91-85 win. In 12 of 13 SEC matchups, Auburn has allowed opponents to shoot at least 30 percent from three, with five of those teams connecting at 40 percent or better. They’re also surrendering more than 24 three-point attempts per game.
Overall, Auburn ranks 108th nationally in defensive efficiency, according to KenPom, and its perimeter defense has been a consistent weakness.
That could play directly into Kentucky’s hands.
The Wildcats lead the SEC in three-point percentage during conference play, shooting 36.7 percent from deep. While Kentucky attempts just 21.8 threes per game — 11th in the league — it has been highly efficient when it gets clean looks.
Bruce Pearl knows the challenge his team faces.
“We recognize that Kentucky is a really good three-point shooting team,” Pearl said Friday. “They shoot good percentages, but they’re probably better from two overall because they do a great job attacking downhill and getting into the paint.
Kentucky is shooting 50.4 percent on two-point attempts in SEC games, which ranks 11th in the conference. However, the Wildcats have excelled at drawing fouls, averaging 25.1 free-throw attempts per SEC contest. Their ability to get into the lane has helped create open perimeter opportunities.
Several Kentucky players have been reliable from deep in league play. Collin Chandler is hitting 48.5 percent of his threes, while Jasper Johnson (36.7 percent), Otega Oweh (36.5 percent), and Denzel Aberdeen (35 percent) have also been strong contributors. Trent Noah adds another shooting option off the bench.
Pearl specifically pointed out Chandler’s recent production.
“Chandler’s a guy that you’ve got to treat like Tyler Nickel from Vanderbilt,” Pearl said. “You can’t allow him to get anything clean because he’s made 20 in his last five games. Aberdeen can really make shots with time and space and can be streaky. Oweh has the green light and can knock down shots, too. And Noah coming off the bench can shoot it. We’ve just got to recognize where shooters are and do a better job in our closeouts.
Kentucky is coming off a 12-for-30 performance from three in its loss to Georgia earlier this week. Still, the Wildcats are 8-2 this season when they make 10 or more three-pointers. If they reach that mark again against Auburn, it could put them in prime position to steal a much-needed road win.
