The Auburn Tigers will play the Ole Miss Rebels in the quarterfinals of the SEC Tournament.

Auburn Tigers Set to Face Ole Miss Rebels in the Quarterfinals of the SEC Tournament: A Crucial Showdown

As March Madness looms on the horizon, college basketball teams across the country are bracing for the intense, high-stakes action that defines postseason play. For the Auburn Tigers, a key part of their 2025 journey is their matchup with the Ole Miss Rebels in the quarterfinals of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Tournament. This game will not only determine their fate in the SEC Tournament but could also have significant implications for the NCAA Tournament. With both teams looking to bolster their resumes, the quarterfinal showdown is poised to be a thrilling contest filled with high intensity, fierce competition, and dramatic moments.

Auburn’s Road to the SEC Tournament Quarterfinals

The Auburn Tigers have experienced a strong season in 2025, marked by dominant performances and key victories in the SEC. Under the guidance of head coach Bruce Pearl, the Tigers have played with a relentless style of basketball, using aggressive defense, fast-paced offense, and strong teamwork to secure their place among the conference’s elite. Auburn enters the SEC Tournament with aspirations of a deep run, but to do so, they must first get past Ole Miss in the quarterfinals.

Auburn’s season has been characterized by key players stepping up in clutch moments. Johni Broome, the team’s star forward, has been a standout throughout the season, consistently posting impressive numbers on both ends of the floor. His ability to score in a variety of ways, along with his leadership, has made him a key asset for Auburn. Additionally, Wendell Green Jr., the Tigers’ point guard, has been instrumental in directing the offense, setting up plays, and providing scoring when needed. The Tigers have also seen contributions from players like Jaylin Williams and Alan Flanigan, who have added depth to an already talented roster.

However, the road to the quarterfinals hasn’t been without its challenges. The Tigers faced tough competition in the SEC this season, with several teams—such as Alabama, Tennessee, and Kentucky—posing significant hurdles. Auburn’s ability to handle these challenges and remain consistent throughout the regular season allowed them to secure a solid position in the SEC standings, ultimately earning a coveted spot in the quarterfinals.

Ole Miss Rebels: A Team with Potential

On the other side of the court, the Ole Miss Rebels are also preparing for a high-stakes quarterfinal matchup. Ole Miss, led by head coach Kermit Davis, has had a season filled with ups and downs. The Rebels are a team that thrives on defensive intensity and scrappy play, often finding ways to compete against higher-ranked opponents. Though their record may not have been as stellar as some of the top teams in the conference, Ole Miss has shown that they can compete with the best on any given night.

Matthew Murrell, Ole Miss’s standout guard, is one of the team’s most consistent players, capable of taking over games with his scoring ability. Murrell has been the focal point of the Rebels’ offense, driving to the basket, hitting outside shots, and creating opportunities for his teammates. In addition to Murrell, Daeshun Ruffin provides another dynamic presence in the backcourt, contributing with his speed, playmaking ability, and scoring prowess. Together, these two players make Ole Miss a dangerous team capable of upsetting anyone in the tournament.

While Ole Miss has struggled with consistency at times during the regular season, their defense has been a constant strength. The Rebels are known for their ability to lock down opponents, particularly in the half-court, where they force turnovers and limit easy scoring opportunities. This makes them a formidable challenge for any team in the SEC Tournament, as they have the ability to slow down high-powered offenses like Auburn’s.

Ole Miss’s path to the quarterfinals has been marked by strong performances against mid-tier SEC teams, though they will need to elevate their game to compete with a top-tier team like Auburn. With their backs against the wall, Ole Miss will enter the game with everything to prove, and their resilience and defensive prowess could be the key to pulling off an upset.

The Battle in the Paint: Auburn’s Frontcourt vs. Ole Miss’s Defense

One of the most intriguing aspects of this matchup is the battle in the paint between Auburn’s powerful frontcourt and Ole Miss’s tough defensive unit. Auburn has a significant advantage in terms of size and athleticism, with players like Johni Broome and Jaylin Williams providing scoring and rebounding in the post. Broome’s ability to dominate in the paint, both offensively and defensively, gives Auburn a distinct edge in this area. He can overpower defenders on the block, finish through contact, and use his size to create mismatches on both ends of the floor.

However, Ole Miss’s defense has been their strong suit all season, and they will need to employ a physical, disciplined approach to contain Auburn’s bigs. The Rebels are known for their ability to disrupt offensive flow, contest shots, and defend without fouling. For Auburn to succeed in the paint, Broome and the rest of the frontcourt will need to play with patience, using their size and strength to wear down Ole Miss’s defenders while also making smart passes out of double teams to open up shooting lanes for their teammates.

On the other hand, Ole Miss will look to use its defensive strategy to stifle Auburn’s inside game. If they can limit Auburn’s opportunities in the paint, it will force the Tigers to rely more on their perimeter shooting, which has been inconsistent at times this season. Ole Miss will likely focus on doubling Broome in the post and trying to force the Tigers into difficult shots from the outside. The Rebels will also need to crash the boards aggressively to prevent Auburn from getting second-chance points, which has been a key part of the Tigers’ offense.

Key Players to Watch

In a game with so much on the line, several players will need to step up for both teams if they hope to advance to the semifinals.

1. Johni Broome (Auburn): As the Tigers’ leader, Broome will be the focal point of the offense. His ability to score in the paint, defend, and rebound will be critical to Auburn’s success. If Broome can establish himself early in the game, it will open up opportunities for Auburn’s shooters and allow them to set the tone.

2. Wendell Green Jr. (Auburn): The point guard will be tasked with running the offense and making sure that Auburn’s attack remains fluid. Green’s ability to distribute the ball, create opportunities for his teammates, and make clutch shots will be essential for the Tigers’ success. He’ll also need to be a strong defender, as Murrell and Ruffin will look to test his defensive abilities.

3. Matthew Murrell (Ole Miss): As the top scorer for the Rebels, Murrell is the player Auburn will need to stop if they want to control the game. His ability to score from anywhere on the floor, combined with his leadership and basketball IQ, makes him a constant threat. If Murrell gets going early, it could give Ole Miss the momentum they need to pull off an upset.

4. Daeshun Ruffin (Ole Miss): Ruffin provides a spark for Ole Miss in terms of speed, creativity, and scoring. If Ruffin can attack the basket and distribute to his teammates, Ole Miss will have a much better chance of upsetting Auburn. He’ll need to find a way to get past Auburn’s defense and create scoring opportunities.

Coaching Strategy: Bruce Pearl vs. Kermit Davis

Bruce Pearl will bring his up-tempo, aggressive style of play to this matchup, looking to push the ball in transition and create open shots for his team. Pearl is known for his ability to adjust his strategy on the fly, and his experience in big games will be crucial in managing the pressure of the SEC Tournament. He’ll likely look to exploit Auburn’s size advantage in the post, while also using his talented guards to stretch the floor and hit outside shots.

For Kermit Davis, his focus will be on slowing down Auburn’s offense and imposing his team’s defensive will. Davis has long been known for his defensive prowess, and he’ll need to dial up a game plan that forces Auburn into uncomfortable situations. By focusing on controlling the tempo and making sure his players stay disciplined on defense, Davis will aim to frustrate Auburn and create turnovers that lead to easy baskets for Ole Miss.

Keys to Victory

For Auburn, the keys to victory will be establishing dominance in the paint, moving the ball effectively on offense, and limiting turnovers. If the Tigers can play to their strengths and make shots from the outside, they should be able to wear down Ole Miss. Additionally, Auburn’s defense will need to focus on containing Murrell and Ruffin, limiting their ability to create scoring opportunities for the Rebels.

For Ole Miss, the keys to victory will be slowing the game down, playing excellent defense, and forcing Auburn to rely on perimeter shooting. If the Rebels can disrupt Auburn’s offensive flow and get out in transition, they will have a shot at pulling off the upset. Murrell and Ruffin will need to be at their best, and the Rebels’ defense will have to be at its peak to keep Auburn from taking control.