Without Johni Broome, Auburn dominates, defeating No. 15 Mississippi State 88-66.

Without Johni Broome, Auburn Dominates, Defeating No. 15 Mississippi State 88-66

In a statement victory for the Auburn Tigers, they overcame the absence of their star player, Johni Broome, to handily defeat the 15th-ranked Mississippi State Bulldogs 88-66. The game, which took place on Auburn’s home court, was a showcase of team depth, unselfish play, and a dominant second-half performance that left little doubt about the Tigers’ capabilities. The victory marked a critical moment in the season for Auburn, as they demonstrated that their success is not dependent on any single player, but rather on a cohesive and versatile team effort.

This unexpected and impressive win has significant implications for both teams, highlighting Auburn’s ability to thrive even in adversity, while also casting a spotlight on Mississippi State’s struggles under the pressure of tough road games in the SEC. The performance in this game was not only a testament to Auburn’s talent but also a reminder of the unpredictable nature of SEC basketball, where every matchup is an opportunity for a team to assert its dominance.

The Absence of Johni Broome: A Potential Setback or Opportunity?

Johni Broome, the standout senior forward for Auburn, has been a key player for the Tigers throughout the season. Known for his scoring ability, leadership, and versatility on both ends of the court, Broome’s absence raised concerns for Auburn fans heading into this crucial SEC contest. Broome has been one of Auburn’s most consistent performers, and his contributions in scoring, rebounding, and defense are vital to the team’s success. His absence was felt in the days leading up to the game, as the Tigers prepared to face a highly ranked Mississippi State team without one of their primary playmakers.

However, the Tigers embraced the challenge and used it as an opportunity to showcase their depth and team unity. Head coach Bruce Pearl and his staff emphasized that while Broome’s absence would be significant, Auburn had the personnel to compensate for his absence and still compete at a high level. This confidence would prove well-founded as the game unfolded.

Auburn’s Offensive Explosion: Balanced Scoring and Efficient Shooting

Despite Broome’s absence, Auburn’s offense was nothing short of explosive. The Tigers outscored Mississippi State 88-66 in a performance that highlighted their offensive versatility, efficient shooting, and unselfish ball movement. Auburn shot an impressive 54.5% from the field, converting 30 of 55 attempts. They were also successful from beyond the arc, hitting 10 of 22 three-point attempts, for a respectable 45.5% shooting percentage from deep.

Auburn’s ability to spread the scoring load was one of the key takeaways from this dominant performance. Several players stepped up in Broome’s absence, proving that the Tigers are not a one-dimensional team, even without their star forward.

K.D. Johnson Leads the Charge

K.D. Johnson was undoubtedly the player of the game. The dynamic guard had a career-high performance, pouring in 27 points on 10-of-16 shooting, including 3-of-6 from three-point range. His aggressive scoring, combined with his ability to get to the basket and finish in traffic, was a key factor in Auburn’s ability to maintain offensive efficiency without Broome. Johnson’s leadership was evident as he took on more responsibility, guiding the Tigers’ offense with his sharp decision-making and playmaking.

Johnson’s performance was not just about scoring, though. He contributed in other areas of the game, adding 5 assists, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals. His defense on the perimeter was also crucial in limiting Mississippi State’s offensive flow. Johnson’s ability to take over the game offensively in Broome’s absence showed that Auburn could rely on him in critical moments, and it was a performance that left Auburn fans hopeful for what the rest of the season would bring.

Allen Flanigan and Wendell Green Jr. Step Up

While Johnson was the focal point of Auburn’s offense, he was far from the only player who made an impact. Allen Flanigan, the senior forward, had a strong all-around game, finishing with 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. Flanigan played with poise and intensity, showing that his leadership and experience were invaluable to the Tigers’ success. His performance on both sides of the ball—scoring, rebounding, and defending—was a major factor in keeping Auburn’s offense clicking without Broome.

Wendell Green Jr., the point guard for Auburn, also played an essential role in orchestrating the offense. Green Jr. finished the game with 12 points and 7 assists. His ability to control the tempo of the game, distribute the ball effectively, and take smart shots helped keep Mississippi State’s defense off balance. Green Jr.’s court vision was key in setting up his teammates for easy baskets, and he showed why he’s one of the most effective facilitators in the SEC.

Freshman Contributors: Chris Moore and Dylan Cardwell

In addition to the veteran leadership provided by Johnson, Flanigan, and Green Jr., Auburn’s freshmen also stepped up to contribute in a big way. Chris Moore, a freshman forward, played a solid 20 minutes, contributing 9 points and 5 rebounds. Moore’s energy and hustle on both ends of the court helped Auburn establish its dominance in the paint, especially in the second half when the game began to open up.

Dylan Cardwell, a freshman center, was a force on the boards, grabbing 8 rebounds and contributing 6 points. His presence in the paint, both offensively and defensively, helped Auburn control the glass and limit Mississippi State’s second-chance opportunities. Cardwell’s development over the course of the season has been crucial for Auburn’s success, and he was able to deliver in a big game without Broome in the lineup.

Mississippi State’s Struggles: Inability to Capitalize on Opportunities

Mississippi State came into this game ranked No. 15 in the nation, a team with high expectations and a solid track record in SEC play. However, they were unable to live up to their ranking in this contest, as they were outmatched by Auburn’s depth and offensive efficiency.

One of the major issues for Mississippi State was their inability to execute consistently on offense. Despite having some strong individual performances, including a team-high 16 points from Tolu Smith, Mississippi State struggled with shooting efficiency, finishing the game with a subpar 41.3% shooting percentage from the field. The Bulldogs also struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 6 of 20 three-point attempts (30%).

While Mississippi State showed flashes of brilliance, particularly with their ability to score in spurts, they were ultimately undone by Auburn’s defense and ball movement. The Bulldogs also turned the ball over 12 times, giving Auburn more opportunities to capitalize on fast breaks and offensive possessions.

Defensive Concerns for Mississippi State

Mississippi State’s defense, typically one of their strengths, was unable to stop Auburn’s offensive onslaught. The Bulldogs struggled to contain Auburn’s perimeter shooting, with Johnson and Green Jr. making timely three-pointers that stretched the defense. Additionally, Auburn’s size and athleticism in the paint allowed them to finish around the rim with ease.

Mississippi State’s lack of consistent defensive pressure allowed Auburn to find open looks and create a fast-paced game that they could control. While the Bulldogs had some defensive stops, they were not able to sustain the level of pressure needed to keep the game close.

Auburn’s Dominance in the Second Half

The second half of the game was where Auburn truly asserted their dominance. After taking a comfortable 45-33 lead into the break, the Tigers came out with renewed energy and expanded their lead to as much as 24 points midway through the second half. Auburn’s fast break points, combined with their efficient shooting and stifling defense, ensured that Mississippi State would never get close enough to mount a serious comeback.

Auburn’s defense in the second half was particularly impressive. The Tigers tightened their perimeter defense, forcing Mississippi State to take contested shots and limiting their open looks. Auburn also controlled the glass, outrebounding Mississippi State 42-31. The Bulldogs simply had no answers for Auburn’s relentless play, and as the game wore on, the result became more and more inevitable.

The Bigger Picture: What This Win Means for Auburn

Auburn’s victory over Mississippi State, particularly without Johni Broome, is a huge confidence booster for the team. The Tigers showed that they are capable of winning big games even when one of their star players is unavailable. The depth of the roster and the balance in their offensive and defensive schemes make them a dangerous team as they approach the postseason.

For Auburn, this victory represents more than just one win in the SEC—it’s a statement about their readiness to contend at the highest level of college basketball. The ability to win without Broome is a testament to the Tigers’ overall talent, and it signals to the rest of the SEC that Auburn is a team to be reckoned with.

As the season progresses, Auburn will look to continue building momentum from this win. With players like K.D. Johnson, Allen Flanigan, and Wendell Green Jr. leading the way, the Tigers are well-positioned for a deep run in the SEC Tournament and beyond.