Kentucky at Auburn

Recap

The Big Storyline: Auburn continues its streak of excellence with yet another record high team score. The Tigers were especially impressive on bars, where freshman Suni Lee debuted a Nabieva. Kentucky was not able to pull off the win, but put together a steady competition after losing Kaitlin DeGuzman and Bailey Bunn to season-ending injuries last week. 

Implications: While Auburn was expected to jump in the rankings this season with its strong freshman class, the Tigers have exceeded all expectations and are likely to find themselves in the coveted evening session at SEC championship. Having posted several scores approaching 198.000 and with depth to spare, Auburn could realistically challenge for a spot at nationals. Meanwhile, Kentucky has proven that it can keep pace with the top NCAA teams on three out of four events, but it’s going to have to figure out its balance beam situation if it hopes to make postseason waves. 

Records: Several Kentucky gymnasts earned career highs: Josie Angeny scored a 9.925 on bars, Shealyn Luksik scored a 9.950 on beam and Ashlyn LaClair and Hailey Davis scored a 9.875 and 9.950, respectively, on floor. Suni Lee is the first Auburn gymnast in 29 years to score more than one career perfect 10. Auburn’s 197.925 and 49.675 on floor are also program bests. The Tigers’ 49.575 on bars is its second-highest score in program history, thanks in part to career high scores from Aria Brusch (9.950) and Cassie Stevens (9.925). 

Preview

Current Rankings: Kentucky at No. 5 Auburn

Why You Should Clear Space on Your DVR: Don’t let Kentucky’s current non-ranking—a product of not having had enough away meets for an NQS score—fool you: This should be a very close meet. Auburn has posted six consecutive scores over 197 and shows no signs of slowing down. While Kentucky has consistently proven the ability to break 197 this year, it’s going to have to figure out its balance beam situation if it hopes to take down Auburn on its home turf. The two teams are more or less evenly matched on the other three events, but the Tigers’ average beam score is over three tenths higher than the Wildcats’.  

You Can Fast Forward, but not Through This: The team battle should be good, but the all-around battle between Raena Worley and Sunisa Lee could be great. Another key match-up will be Worley and Auburn’s Derrian Gobourne on floor. They’re two of the best floor workers in the country and both on constant 10 watch.