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Pearl Previews Vanderbilt After Defensive Struggles Against Alabama
Auburn head coach Steven Pearl was critical of his team's off-ball defense in their loss to Alabama and is looking to make adjustments ahead of their matchup with Vanderbilt.
Feb. 9, 2026 at 1:39pm
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Auburn head coach Steven Pearl was highly critical of his team's defensive performance in their 96-92 loss to Alabama last weekend. Pearl said the Tigers were "out of position off the ball too many times, especially in ball screens" and that if they play that way against Vanderbilt, "you're screwed." Pearl is looking to make adjustments to the rotation and defensive scheme ahead of Tuesday's game against one of the SEC's best scoring and shooting teams.
Why it matters
Auburn's defensive struggles against Alabama have put them in a tough spot heading into a matchup with another high-powered offense in Vanderbilt. Pearl needs to find solutions quickly to avoid another conference loss and keep the Tigers in the hunt in the SEC.
The details
Pearl said Auburn's on-ball defense was not the main issue against Alabama, but rather their off-ball positioning and rotations, especially in defending ball screens. He acknowledged that teams have been shooting a high percentage against the Tigers this season and that they need to make adjustments. Pearl is considering inserting freshman Simon Walker into the rotation to help shore up the defense.
- Auburn lost to Alabama 96-92 on Saturday, February 4, 2026.
- Auburn hosts Vanderbilt on Tuesday, February 11, 2026.
The players
Steven Pearl
The head coach of the Auburn men's basketball team.
Simon Walker
A freshman player for the Auburn men's basketball team who Pearl is considering inserting into the rotation.
What they’re saying
“We were out of position off the ball too many times, especially in ball screens. If you do that against (Vanderbilt), you're screwed.”
— Steven Pearl, Head Coach
“At some point, we've got to make an adjustment, too, because teams are shooting a good percentage against us.”
— Steven Pearl, Head Coach
What’s next
Pearl will need to make defensive adjustments before Auburn hosts Vanderbilt on Tuesday, February 11, 2026 in order to slow down one of the SEC's top offenses.
The takeaway
Auburn's defensive struggles against Alabama highlighted the need for the Tigers to shore up their off-ball positioning and rotations, especially when defending ball screens. With a tough matchup against Vanderbilt looming, Pearl is under pressure to find solutions quickly to keep Auburn in the hunt in the SEC.
