Auburn ready for tough test in SEC Tournament

The Music City is this year's site of the SEC Men's Basketball Tournament. Auburn will be in Nashville this week looking to take a little hardware back to Lee County, but before the Tigers take the floor against the Arkansas Razorbacks, coach Bruce Pearl reflected on his time coaching in this conference.

"The league's been really, really good and really competitive, I'm really proud of this league and how far the league has come since I've been in it. Ya know, gosh, my first year, how about this, 2004-2005 at Tennessee, a lot of dark hair and lotta years ago," said Pearl.

Auburn's received plenty of criticism at times this season, and usually it's their backcourt taking much of the heat. However, as of late, Auburn's guards are playing their best basketball, something point guard Wendell Green Jr. is hoping continues into March.

SEE ALSO:Brandon Miller speaks for first time since being named during capital murder hearing
SEE ALSO:Crowded attack, defensive depth raising expectations for Legion in 2023

"We're guarding, we're defending as one of the top teams in the country defensively. So our guard play is experienced, we're veteran guards, so we just want to go out and show that this March", said Green Jr.

When Auburn takes the floor tomorrow night, their chief objective will be to slow down Arkansas point guard Nick Smith Jr.

"He's one of those guys that is constantly putting pressure on you. I love his game actually, I think he's one of the best guards in the SEC", said Auburn guard Zep Jasper.

BRACKET:Auburn opens vs. Arkansas, Alabama receives double bye

"We played against each other in high school, being from Little Rock, he's a guy who can shoot the ball, create for himself off the dribble, create for others, he has a really bright future", said Auburn guard Allen Flanigan.

Auburn squares off with Arkansas Thursday with tipoff set for 6:00 p.m. If Auburn defeats the Razborbacks Thursday, they will play Texas A&M on Friday at 6 p.m.