Three things to remember from Auburn basketball’s resounding victory over Ole Miss
Auburn basketball’s thrilling win over Ole Miss served as another statement game for the Tigers, who continue to solidify their position as one of the top teams in the SEC. The victory, a resounding display of skill, intensity, and execution, not only allowed Auburn to maintain their strong momentum but also showcased several key takeaways that will resonate for the remainder of the season. Whether it’s the rise of individual stars, the team’s commitment to defense, or their ability to adapt under pressure, Auburn’s dominance over Ole Miss was a reflection of the growing maturity and depth of the program.
As the dust settles on the game, it’s crucial to take stock of the three most significant aspects of Auburn’s commanding victory. These are the factors that were pivotal in ensuring the Tigers’ success and will have long-term implications for their continued pursuit of greatness as they look to the SEC Tournament and beyond.
1. Auburn’s Defense: The Heart of Their Dominance
One of the most defining elements of Auburn’s success in their win over Ole Miss was their suffocating defense. From the opening tip-off, the Tigers showed a level of intensity on the defensive end that was impossible for Ole Miss to overcome. Auburn’s defensive prowess was not just a byproduct of effort; it was a collective execution of strategy, individual talent, and sheer determination. In college basketball, defense can often be the key to unlocking a team’s potential, and Auburn proved this point with their impressive performance.
Auburn’s defensive performance was exemplified by their ability to stifle Ole Miss’ offense at every turn. They limited Ole Miss to just 59 points on the night, a figure that reflects the Tigers’ commitment to disrupting passing lanes, forcing contested shots, and applying full-court pressure. The Rebels simply could not get into an offensive rhythm, with Auburn’s defense forcing several turnovers and challenging nearly every shot.
Perhaps the most telling statistic was Auburn’s ability to create turnovers. The Tigers forced Ole Miss into 16 turnovers, which translated into easy fast-break opportunities and points off turnovers. This not only disrupted Ole Miss’ offensive flow but also showcased Auburn’s athleticism and ability to capitalize on mistakes. Their defense wasn’t just a series of individual efforts; it was a collective display of disciplined team play. Auburn’s ability to stay in front of their men, contest shots, and box out for rebounds demonstrated their growth as a defensive unit.
One player who stood out defensively was Auburn’s star guard, Wendell Green Jr. His quick hands and ability to read the passing lanes created several turnovers that directly led to Auburn points. Green’s defensive effort was instrumental in breaking down Ole Miss’ attack, and his relentless energy seemed to set the tone for the rest of the team. Additionally, Auburn’s big men—such as Walker Kessler and Jabari Smith—were integral to the team’s defensive success. Kessler, in particular, was a constant presence in the paint, recording several blocks and altering countless others, making Ole Miss hesitant to attack the rim.
The Tigers’ ability to close out on shooters and contest shots was equally impressive. Ole Miss has had struggles with shooting all season, and Auburn did a masterful job of forcing them into low-percentage attempts. It wasn’t just about blocking shots but making sure the Rebels felt the pressure at every moment. With Auburn’s length and athleticism, they were able to close down lanes and frustrate Ole Miss on offense, forcing them to rely on inefficient outside shots. The Tigers’ defensive effort exemplified how a team can use defense to not only win games but dominate them.
2. Offensive Balance: Multiple Scoring Options
While Auburn’s defense was unquestionably the star of the game, the team’s offensive balance was another major factor in their resounding win over Ole Miss. One of the hallmarks of a successful basketball team is the ability to score from multiple areas on the court, and Auburn did just that against the Rebels. Auburn displayed a fluid offensive attack, with various players stepping up at different points of the game, ensuring that the team wasn’t reliant on any one individual for their offensive output.
The Tigers shot 47.5% from the field, a solid performance that highlighted their efficiency. The ball movement was crisp, and Auburn’s ability to work through their offense allowed for good looks at the basket. A variety of players contributed in different ways, showing that the Tigers are a well-rounded unit capable of spreading the wealth. The team’s depth was also on full display, as several players were able to score double digits, making it difficult for Ole Miss to focus on just one or two key players.
The standout performance came from Auburn’s star forward, Jabari Smith. Smith has been one of the most consistent players for Auburn all season, and his performance against Ole Miss was no different. He finished the game with 21 points, showing off his versatile scoring ability by knocking down outside shots, converting in the mid-range, and finishing with authority at the rim. Smith’s offensive versatility makes him one of the most dangerous players in the SEC, and Ole Miss simply had no answer for his length and scoring touch.
However, it wasn’t just Smith who provided the offensive spark. Wendell Green Jr. continued his strong season by contributing 17 points and five assists. His ability to facilitate the offense and score when necessary made him a key player in Auburn’s offensive success. Green’s quickness and decision-making in transition helped the Tigers capitalize on Ole Miss turnovers, turning them into easy baskets. The combination of Green’s playmaking and Smith’s scoring made it difficult for Ole Miss to find a way to slow down Auburn’s offense.
Additionally, Auburn’s big men played a critical role in the scoring. Walker Kessler contributed 12 points and several key rebounds, while also providing his usual rim protection on defense. The inside-outside dynamic between Kessler, Smith, and the other perimeter players allowed Auburn to diversify their offensive attack, making it nearly impossible for Ole Miss to guard all aspects of the game. The Tigers’ offensive balance is one of their greatest strengths, and it was fully displayed in their victory over the Rebels.
One thing that was particularly noticeable in Auburn’s offense was the team’s ability to move the ball and find open looks. There was a clear emphasis on unselfish basketball, with the Tigers sharing the ball and making the extra pass to find the best possible shot. This commitment to ball movement led to several open three-pointers and high-percentage shots in the paint. By not relying solely on isolation plays or hero ball, Auburn showed a level of maturity and teamwork that will serve them well as they continue to push for postseason success.
3. Coaching and Adjustments: Bruce Pearl’s Leadership
Auburn’s victory over Ole Miss wasn’t just a result of the players’ efforts on the court; it was also a testament to the coaching staff, particularly head coach Bruce Pearl. Pearl’s ability to adjust his game plan based on the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses is a key reason why Auburn has been so successful under his leadership.
In the game against Ole Miss, Pearl’s defensive schemes were particularly effective in neutralizing the Rebels’ offense. Ole Miss has struggled throughout the season to consistently score, and Pearl’s defensive strategy ensured that they would have an even more difficult time in this matchup. He implemented a variety of defensive looks, including man-to-man pressure and zone formations, which kept Ole Miss guessing and unable to establish any kind of rhythm.
Pearl’s leadership was also evident in the way his team responded to the ebb and flow of the game. When Ole Miss made a run early in the second half, Pearl’s timeout discussions and adjustments helped Auburn refocus and reassert control. His ability to keep his players calm and collected, even when things got tight, was vital in maintaining the team’s momentum.
On offense, Pearl emphasized team-oriented basketball, ensuring that Auburn stayed patient with the ball and worked for quality shots. His emphasis on moving the ball, setting screens, and finding mismatches allowed Auburn to consistently exploit Ole Miss’ defensive weaknesses. Pearl’s leadership, both in terms of strategy and motivation, was crucial in securing the dominant victory.
A Complete Performance
Auburn’s victory over Ole Miss was a complete team performance, showcasing their elite defense, offensive balance, and coaching acumen. The Tigers dominated from start to finish, with every player contributing in meaningful ways. For Auburn, this win serves as a reminder of the team’s potential and the areas in which they can continue to improve. The defense, in particular, was a hallmark of the game, and with players like Jabari Smith, Wendell Green Jr., and Walker Kessler, the Tigers have all the pieces in place to be a formidable force in the SEC and beyond.
As Auburn moves forward, they can take confidence in knowing that their defense is one of the best in the country and that their offense has the depth and versatility to compete with any team. With Bruce Pearl at the helm, Auburn is poised for continued success, and their victory over Ole Miss is just another step in what could be a special season. The Tigers are building something special, and if they can continue to execute at this level, they will be a tough team to beat as they head into the postseason.
