Tahaad Pettiford, a 6’1”, 175-pound freshman guard for the Auburn Tigers, has quickly made a name for himself in high-stakes matchups this season. A former McDonald’s All-American, Pettiford has showcased his scoring ability against top-tier opponents, notably leading Auburn with 21 points in a victory over then-No. 4 Houston and contributing 14 points against then-No. 5 Iowa State.
Despite these standout performances, Pettiford’s production has been inconsistent, averaging just 6.2 points per game in Auburn’s other five contests. This pattern suggests that while he rises to the occasion in significant games, his overall contribution varies.
As Auburn prepares to face Duke, the Blue Devils must be vigilant in containing Pettiford’s impact off the bench. His quickness and aggressive playstyle can disrupt defenses, making it crucial for Duke to apply early pressure and limit his opportunities. Given the challenging environment of Cameron Indoor Stadium, maintaining defensive intensity against Pettiford will be key to preventing him from becoming a decisive factor in the game.
For a closer look at Pettiford’s recent performance, here’s a highlight from Auburn’s matchup against Houston:
