Could Auburn benefit from playing without Jaylin Williams for a few games in March? In Saturday’s matchup against the Bulldogs in Athens, Georgia, Auburn faced the challenge of competing without Williams, a key player for the team. Despite concerns among Tiger fans about playing without Williams, Auburn managed to secure a convincing 97-76 victory.
With Williams sidelined, other players were called upon to step up and fill the scoring void. Chad Baker-Mazara, Aden Holloway, and Chaney Johnson rose to the occasion, collectively contributing to Auburn’s success. Baker-Mazara notably achieved a career-high 25 points, while Holloway showcased his shooting prowess with 15 points, including five three-pointers, and Johnson added 16 points.
In NCAA Tournament history, there’s often a player who emerges as a standout performer on the grand stage. The absence of Williams provided an opportunity for other members of Auburn’s roster to gain confidence and momentum heading into the tournament.
Coach Pearl emphasized the adjustments made in response to Williams’s absence and praised the contributions of Baker-Mazara in particular. He highlighted Baker-Mazara’s performance as pivotal to the team’s victory.
If Auburn makes a deep run in March, the experience gained by players like Baker-Mazara, Holloway, and Johnson during Williams’s absence could prove beneficial in the long run. Their increased playing time and responsibility may have prepared them to make significant contributions when it matters most.
