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The rest of the country is beginning to find out what Auburn fans have known all season. They are learning that freshman guard Tahaad Pettiford is a big game player, and a big shot maker. He has bounced back after a poor showing in the SEC Tournament by scoring a combined 39 points in the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament. After scoring 16 points versus Alabama State, he led the Tigers with 23 points in their 82-70 win over Creighton in the second round.
Against the Blue Jays, Pettiford was 7-of-14 and had six rebounds. He had a big basket in the first half on an offensive rebound after a failed three-point attempt by Johni Broome. After the game Pettiford spoke to the media, and he was asked about his performance. “Just playing the offense. We knew the shots that we were going to get, just getting in the gym and working on those types of shots and being ready for the situation,” Pettiford said. “My guys helped me get the ball, get me open and helped me find the shots that I wanted to get.”
Pettiford scored his first basket of the game with 13:57 in the first half when he hit a three. Auburn was down 12-10 to Creighton, and it was a big shot early in the game. He scored just seven points in the first half, and the Tigers trailed 37-35 going into halftime. Pettiford scored 16 points in the second half. His first basket of the second half was a three-pointer that gave Auburn a 48-45 lead with 15 minutes left to play.
To start the second half, Chad Baker-Mazara looked to get more involved offensively. He scored 12 of his 17 points in the second half before leaving the game due to a hip injury. That injury occurred with 13:32 left in the game. He tried to return to the game but was noticeably hurt. Pettiford knew he had to step up. He did so scoring 13 points after the Baker-Mazara injury.
“Definitely losing a guy like Chad, he's playing so well, he's a big part of this team. Seeing him go down, everybody knew they had to step up and do what they had to do to get the win,” Pettiford said. With 8:21 remaining and Auburn leading 62-54, Pettiford hit a jumper to give the Tigers a ten-point lead. Pettiford was also big from the free throw line going seven for eight.
The Auburn Tigers will now get a much-needed rest to get Baker-Mazara and others healthy before their Sweet 16 matchup against Michigan on Friday in Atlanta. The broadcast network and time is yet to be announced.
This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Auburn's Tahaad Pettiford shines in March Madness win over Creighton
Continue reading...
Against the Blue Jays, Pettiford was 7-of-14 and had six rebounds. He had a big basket in the first half on an offensive rebound after a failed three-point attempt by Johni Broome. After the game Pettiford spoke to the media, and he was asked about his performance. “Just playing the offense. We knew the shots that we were going to get, just getting in the gym and working on those types of shots and being ready for the situation,” Pettiford said. “My guys helped me get the ball, get me open and helped me find the shots that I wanted to get.”
Pettiford scored his first basket of the game with 13:57 in the first half when he hit a three. Auburn was down 12-10 to Creighton, and it was a big shot early in the game. He scored just seven points in the first half, and the Tigers trailed 37-35 going into halftime. Pettiford scored 16 points in the second half. His first basket of the second half was a three-pointer that gave Auburn a 48-45 lead with 15 minutes left to play.
To start the second half, Chad Baker-Mazara looked to get more involved offensively. He scored 12 of his 17 points in the second half before leaving the game due to a hip injury. That injury occurred with 13:32 left in the game. He tried to return to the game but was noticeably hurt. Pettiford knew he had to step up. He did so scoring 13 points after the Baker-Mazara injury.
“Definitely losing a guy like Chad, he's playing so well, he's a big part of this team. Seeing him go down, everybody knew they had to step up and do what they had to do to get the win,” Pettiford said. With 8:21 remaining and Auburn leading 62-54, Pettiford hit a jumper to give the Tigers a ten-point lead. Pettiford was also big from the free throw line going seven for eight.
The Auburn Tigers will now get a much-needed rest to get Baker-Mazara and others healthy before their Sweet 16 matchup against Michigan on Friday in Atlanta. The broadcast network and time is yet to be announced.
This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Auburn's Tahaad Pettiford shines in March Madness win over Creighton
Continue reading...
