It wouldn’t be unreasonable for the #1-ranked Auburn Tigers to experience some discomfort without their best player and Wooden Award candidate Johni Broome. After his injury against South Carolina, the Tigers were without their star for a home game against a tough Mississippi State team ranked 15th in the country. However, as it turns out, Auburn would not be bothered by Broome’s absence, and they absolutely dominated on both ends from start to finish in a 88-66 demolition of the Bulldogs.
Johni Broome’s Absence Didn’t Faze the Auburn Tigers
Broome was seen in a walking boot during pregame shootaround. His return is expected relatively soon, as he does not need surgery, but it will still likely be a handful of games before Broome can be back on the court. That all being said, Auburn did not miss a beat on Tuesday evening.
Johni Broome is out on the court during warmups in a boot prior to the Tigers’ game vs Mississippi State tonight. pic.twitter.com/8F7wMirqOz
— The Next Round (@NextRoundLive) January 14, 2025
Luminous freshman Chaz Baker-Mazara stepped up to the plate, putting up a scorching 18 points in the first half on 7-8 from the floor, including 3-4 from deep. Chaney Johnson, who entered the starting lineup in place of Broome, added an efficient 13 in the first twenty minutes, continuing his run of fine form. Johnson finished with 17 points, and Baker-Mazara had 20.
The entire evening was filled with highlights for a packed Neville Arena. None was more impressive than the steal and dunk contest-worthy slam by Tahaad Pettiford. The freshman has been a revelation this season, and he stuffed the stat sheet with 12 points, 3 assists, and 4 steals on the evening.
OH MY HAADDD😤🤯 pic.twitter.com/4wR7zSSYv1
— Auburn Basketball (@AuburnMBB) January 15, 2025
The Tigers had five players score in double-digits. As a team, they shot 55% from the floor and 41.7% from distance. Seemingly everyone had it going on the night. However, it wasn’t the Auburn offense that was most impressive.
As Impressive as the Offense Was, Auburn’s Defense Was Even Better
The defense proved something on Tuesday. As good of a defensive player as Broome is, the entire team stepped up in a big way in his absence and looked every bit the top defense that they are, even without their anchor. Mississippi State was held to their season-low of 66 points after hanging 90 on a strong Kentucky team in their previous game.
The defense set the tone right from the jump. The Tigers amassed 11 steals, 10 blocks, and forced 16 turnovers on the night, shutting down anything and everything that Mississippi State threw their way. The aforementioned Johnson tallied 4 blocks and 8 rebounds in addition to his 17 points. Miles Kelly had 10 boards and 2 steals. It wasn’t even of consequence that Auburn was outrebounded by 12 and gave up 20 offensive rebounds. They held State to under 35% from the field and even from the opening tip, never seemed in danger of losing the game.
Block party continues🥳 pic.twitter.com/AFUYIfuaw4
— Auburn Basketball (@AuburnMBB) January 15, 2025
Mississippi State’s leading scorers, Josh Hubbard and Claudell Harris Jr., were held to a combined 6-22 from the field. Although they combined for 28 points, 13 of which were free throws, neither were their usual selves. Both Hubbard and Cameron Matthews were unable to hit a shot until the second half. Hubbard was clamped by Denver Jones, who continues to be one of the top defenders in the conference.
Head Coach Bruce Pearl Was As Impressed As Anyone By His Team’s Performance
Head coach Bruce Pearl was glowing in the postgame press conference, beginning his comments by saying “you can’t be anything but impressed.” He was proud of the atmosphere in the arena, the energy his players showed on offense, and the commitment they showed on defense. He did admit that limiting second-chance needs to be an area of focus moving forward, but praised their “first-shot defense” as “elite.”
The Jungle LOVES it😆 pic.twitter.com/hI63nvSHOe
— Auburn Basketball (@AuburnMBB) January 15, 2025
Auburn’s roster is full of great individual defenders, but to see how connected the entire team was on the defensive end (outside of the offense rebounds allowed), was indicative of why the Tigers deserve to be the top-ranked team in the country. They have routinely forced teams into their season low of points scored and have shown almost no vulnerability outside of a dicey affair with now-#2 Iowa State and a narrow loss to now-#3 Duke.
Auburn greets #23 Georgia on Saturday, the same day that Mississippi State will look to bounce back against #21 Ole Miss. State has lost two straight and will absolutely need a win against their in-state rivals.
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