When Kentucky faces Auburn on the Plains, talent won’t be the issue. Effort won’t be the issue. The difference could come down to one simple adjustment: how the Wildcats attack Auburn’s struggling three-point defense.
Through SEC play, Auburn has had a hard time defending the perimeter. The Tigers are allowing conference opponents to shoot 40 percent from beyond the arc — the worst mark in the league. Teams aren’t just shooting well; they’re shooting often. Auburn gives up more than 24 three-point attempts per SEC game, and six league opponents have already hit double-digit threes against them.
That’s where Kentucky has an opportunity.
The Wildcats lead the SEC in three-point percentage during conference play, knocking down 36.7 percent from deep. But here’s the key: Kentucky doesn’t take a high volume of threes. At 21.8 attempts per game in SEC action, they rank near the bottom of the league in attempts.
So what’s the adjustment?
Let it fly — but with purpose.
Kentucky’s offense thrives when it attacks downhill first. Otega Oweh and Jasper Johnson are at their best when collapsing the defense. Denzel Aberdeen can get hot quickly. Collin Chandler has been lights out, shooting nearly 50 percent from three in league play. When those drives force help defenders into the paint, the kick-out threes are there.
The Wildcats are 8-2 this season when they make at least 10 three-pointers. That’s not a coincidence. When Kentucky stretches the floor, everything opens up — driving lanes, free-throw opportunities, offensive rebounding angles.
Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl has already acknowledged the challenge of guarding Kentucky’s shooters. He specifically pointed out Chandler’s recent hot streak and emphasized the need for better closeouts. That tells you everything — Auburn knows where it’s vulnerable.
But recognizing a weakness and fixing it midseason are two different things.
If Kentucky stays aggressive in attacking the paint and commits to taking the open threes Auburn has consistently allowed, the math could tilt in the Wildcats’ favor. Not rushed shots. Not forced shots. Confident, rhythm threes created from penetration and ball movement.
On the road in the SEC, margins are thin. Crowd noise will be loud. Runs will happen. But if Kentucky makes the deliberate adjustment to fully exploit Auburn’s perimeter defense, that one tweak could be the difference between another frustrating loss — and a statement road win.
