Auburn Tigers’ 3-Point Slump: Aiming for Improvement Against Ole Miss
The Auburn Tigers are coming off an impressive start to their season but are now faced with a significant challenge. With a top-tier ranking and expectations to match, their performance from beyond the arc has dipped in recent games. The upcoming contest against Ole Miss presents an ideal opportunity for Auburn to break out of their 3-point shooting slump and get back on track. This article explores Auburn’s current struggles, their need for improvement, and what to expect as they prepare for their SEC showdown against Ole Miss.
Auburn’s Early Season Success and Recent Struggles
The Auburn Tigers entered the 2025 basketball season with high hopes, ranking among the top teams in the nation. Their early success relied on strong performances across the board, particularly their ability to hit 3-pointers at an efficient clip. Historically, Auburn has been a dynamic team that stretches the floor, utilizing its perimeter shooting to open up lanes for attacks inside. Players like Miles Kelly, who showed promise as a reliable shooter, were expected to be cornerstones of the offense.
However, recently, the Tigers have encountered a shooting slump, particularly from beyond the arc. In their last few games, including a narrow 53-51 win over Tennessee, Auburn struggled to maintain a consistent shooting performance. From three-point range, they were well below their season average, finishing at just 15% against Tennessee. This struggle was part of a larger trend that has plagued the Tigers’ offense over the last few weeks. While their defense has held strong, their inability to hit consistent shots from the perimeter has made it harder to find scoring rhythm.
The Importance of 3-Point Shooting for Auburn
For Auburn, 3-point shooting is more than just a facet of their offense—it’s integral to how they run their system. Under head coach Bruce Pearl, the Tigers have often relied on spreading the floor with perimeter shooting to open up passing lanes and create opportunities for driving guards and big men in the paint. When the Tigers are hitting their shots from beyond the arc, it forces opposing defenses to extend, creating more space for other offensive plays to develop.
The three-point shot also provides Auburn with a way to quickly build momentum, particularly in fast-paced SEC matchups. If the Tigers can’t break their current slump, it could limit their ability to stretch leads and put pressure on opponents. It’s clear that the three-point game will be a significant factor in Auburn’s ability to maintain their ranking and their position atop the SEC standings.
Ole Miss: A Tough Test for Auburn
Ole Miss, coming into Auburn Arena for their upcoming game, is no slouch. While not considered a top-tier contender, the Rebels are a formidable opponent with strong defensive fundamentals and an offense that can challenge any team on a given night. Ole Miss enters this contest with an impressive 13-7 record, including key victories against other SEC teams. Their performance on the defensive end has been particularly noteworthy, as they are one of the better teams at limiting three-point opportunities for their opponents.
Against high-ranked teams like Mississippi State, Ole Miss has shown resilience, often managing to claw their way back into games with solid defensive efforts. This presents a real challenge for Auburn, especially when considering the Tigers’ recent struggles to shoot from the perimeter. Ole Miss will likely look to disrupt Auburn’s offensive flow by contesting three-point shots and forcing the Tigers to adapt.
In terms of key matchups, the game will likely revolve around Auburn’s ability to break through Ole Miss’s defensive schemes. Ole Miss tends to focus on reducing the effectiveness of opposing shooters, and if they are able to stifle Auburn’s shooting again, it could make for a long night for the Tigers. The Rebels are known for forcing tough shots and turning defense into offense, which makes for an interesting contrast with Auburn’s traditionally high-scoring, fast-paced style.
Auburn’s Key to Victory: Breaking the Slump
To secure a victory against Ole Miss, Auburn will need to get back to its bread and butter—effective three-point shooting. While there are other areas of concern, the 3-point shot is arguably the most crucial factor in this matchup. If Auburn’s shooters can regain confidence and precision, they will open up numerous offensive possibilities, making it easier to execute their fast break and get high-percentage shots in transition.
Here are some key factors that will help Auburn get back on track from beyond the arc:
- Finding Open Looks: Auburn must focus on creating space by using off-the-ball movement and ball screens to free up shooters. This will force Ole Miss to scramble and react, which may lead to open opportunities for players like Kelly, who has shown an ability to knock down 3-pointers in key moments.
- Increased Confidence: Often, shooting slumps are as much mental as they are physical. Auburn’s shooters will need to regain their confidence and not hesitate when open. Whether it’s a catch-and-shoot situation or taking a shot off the dribble, trusting the shot is essential for regaining their rhythm.
- Defensive Consistency: Auburn’s defense has been a bright spot throughout the season, and they’ll need to continue playing solid defense against Ole Miss. Limiting the Rebels’ fast-break opportunities and controlling the glass will help set the tone for the game. The Tigers’ defense has the potential to disrupt Ole Miss’s offense, which will, in turn, reduce the pressure on Auburn’s shooting.
- Balanced Offensive Attack: While the three-point shot will be important, Auburn must be prepared to attack in other areas if the perimeter shooting is still off. Players like Allen Flanigan and Tre Donaldson are capable of creating offense inside the arc, and mixing up their approach could make Auburn less predictable.
- Ball Movement: Auburn excels when they move the ball efficiently, generating open looks from the perimeter and inside. Keeping the ball moving quickly and maintaining good spacing will help them break down Ole Miss’s defense and find quality shot attempts.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Improvement
The match against Ole Miss is crucial for Auburn, not only in terms of the win-loss record but also in terms of their broader goals for the season. While their three-point shooting struggles are a hurdle, they are far from insurmountable. The Tigers are talented enough to bounce back quickly, and this game could be the catalyst they need to regain their shooting touch.
If Auburn can find their shooting stroke again, they will become an even more dangerous team as they continue through SEC play. Their ability to break free from this slump will determine not only their success in the Ole Miss game but also their broader prospects for a deep postseason run.
For Auburn fans, the hope is that this is just a temporary setback—one that can be corrected in time for a strong finish to the season. A breakout performance against Ole Miss would be the perfect way to put the three-point shooting slump behind them and build momentum moving forward.
Conclusion
The Auburn Tigers’ 3-point shooting slump has been a concern, but it is by no means a permanent roadblock to their success. With the right adjustments and mindset, they have the tools to overcome this challenge and come out strong against Ole Miss. This game will be a key test for Auburn’s ability to bounce back, both offensively and mentally, from a dip in their shooting accuracy. For fans and analysts alike, it will be an intriguing matchup—one that could set the tone for the rest of Auburn’s season in the competitive SEC.