News Summary
In a thrilling match on their home court, the top-ranked Auburn Tigers triumphed over No. 23 Ole Miss with a score of 92-82, marking their 13th consecutive win. The Auburn Tigers showcased exceptional teamwork and offensive depth, with key performances from players like Johni Broome. Ole Miss struggled with free-throw shooting and faced mounting challenges as they tried to catch up during the game. Despite their best efforts, the Tigers’ powerful attack and rebounding advantage secured the victory and improved Auburn’s season record to 20-1.
Oxford Hosts a Showdown as No. 1 Auburn Triumphs Over No. 23 Ole Miss
In a thrilling atmosphere that packed 9,974 fans into the stands, the city of Oxford witnessed an electrifying basketball match as the top-ranked Auburn Tigers faced off against the No. 23 Ole Miss Rebels. Auburn certainly lived up to their ranking, securing a 92-82 victory, marking their impressive 13th consecutive win of the season.
Auburn’s Winning Ways
The game kicked off with some early excitement as Ole Miss managed to take an early lead at 10-6 with a series of forced turnovers against Auburn. However, the Tigers quickly found their rhythm and, despite falling behind initially, they rallied to maintain a 41-34 advantage at halftime. Key player, Johni Broome, was nothing short of spectacular, scoring 20 points and grabbing 12 rebounds, affirming his status as a National Player of the Year candidate.
The Battle on the Boards
Auburn showcased their strength in rebounding, dominating the boards with a staggering 22-12 advantage in the first half. Ole Miss struggled to convert opportunities at the free-throw line, shooting only 40% (4 of 10), which proved costly in their attempt to keep pace with the Tigers. The Rebels also experienced difficulties in the second half, missing a total of 11 free throws throughout the game, which certainly didn’t help their cause.
Despite the Deficit, the Rebels Fought Back
Throughout the second half, Ole Miss showed resilience, managing to cut Auburn’s lead down to just one possession five times. Each time they got close, Auburn responded with quick scoring to maintain their edge. One noteworthy moment was when Ole Miss’ Jaemyn Brakefield scored all of his 12 points in the first half and delivered a layup that kept the game within reach during crucial moments.
Auburn’s Offensive Depth Shines
One of the highlights of the match was Auburn’s diverse scoring options. Five players scored in double figures, showcasing the team’s depth and versatility. Their ability to strike from beyond the arc was evident as they nailed 14 three-pointers at an incredible 50% shooting clip from long range. Notably, Chad Baker-Mazara hit a critical three-pointer that extended Auburn’s lead during a tense stretch in the game.
Looking Ahead
With this impressive victory, Auburn improves their overall record to 20-1 and remains unbeaten in SEC play at 8-0. On the other hand, Ole Miss falters to 16-6 overall and 5-4 in conference play. Historically, the Rebels have struggled against top-tier teams, now holding a 0-17 record against teams ranked No. 1 in the AP Poll. However, Ole Miss head coach Chris Beard remains optimistic, emphasizing the need for an A-plus effort in upcoming key games as they look ahead to March’s challenges.
Auburn will soon be gearing up for a matchup against the No. 12 Kentucky Wildcats, which promises to be another thrilling contest. As the races tighten in the league, both teams are seeking to build momentum as the season progresses.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Ole Miss Rebels Host Kentucky Wildcats in SEC Showdown
Junior Day at Ole Miss Welcomes Future Stars
Caleb Holt Cancels Ole Miss Visit Due to Tragedy
Ole Miss Rebels Set for Showdown Against Georgia Bulldogs
Momentum Builds for Ole Miss Rebels Basketball Team as They Break into AP Top 25 Rankings
Ole Miss Athletics Gears Up for New Season: NBA Star Matthew Murrell Named to All-SEC Second Team for Third Year, Women’s Tennis Shows Promise at ITA Regionals
Additional Resources
- Ole Miss Sports
- Clarion Ledger
- Montgomery Advertiser
- CBS Sports
- Wikipedia: Ole Miss Rebels basketball
