JUST IN: Baker-Mazara scores 20 as No. 1 Auburn easily beats No. 15 Mississippi State 88-66 without Broome…

JUST IN: Baker-Mazara scores 20 as No. 1 Auburn easily beats No. 15 Mississippi State 88-66 without Broome…

Auburn University extended its dominance in college basketball with a commanding 88-66 victory over No. 15 Mississippi State on Saturday, despite the absence of star player Johni Broome. The top-ranked Tigers showcased their depth and resilience, led by sophomore guard Alan Baker-Mazara, who exploded for 20 points in the high-energy contest.

Without Broome, who has been a crucial piece of Auburn’s success this season, the team’s supporting cast stepped up in impressive fashion. Baker-Mazara, who has continued to develop into a reliable scoring option, led the charge with an efficient shooting performance. He hit 8 of 14 from the field, including a pair of three-pointers, and added four rebounds and three assists to his stat line.

Auburn’s defense, as always, was a key factor in the win. Mississippi State struggled to find offensive rhythm throughout the game, with Auburn forcing 16 turnovers and holding the Bulldogs to just 40% shooting from the floor. The Tigers’ ability to disrupt the flow of the Mississippi State offense was especially evident in the second half when Auburn expanded its lead to as much as 25 points.

The Tigers’ frontcourt also contributed heavily, with forward Chris Moore contributing 15 points and 8 rebounds. Freshman center Dylan Cardwell proved to be a force inside, adding 10 points and contributing valuable minutes in the absence of Broome. Coach Bruce Pearl’s strategy to spread the scoring load across multiple players paid off, as six Auburn players finished with double figures.

On the other side, Mississippi State struggled to cope with Auburn’s defensive intensity. Guard Tolu Smith led the Bulldogs with 18 points, but the team’s lack of offensive balance made it difficult for them to keep pace with the Tigers. Mississippi State’s shooting woes were compounded by poor perimeter shooting, as the Bulldogs managed just 3 of 14 from beyond the arc.

This win is a significant statement for Auburn as they continue their bid for a top seed in the NCAA tournament. Despite the absence of Broome, the Tigers proved they are more than capable of dominating on both ends of the floor. With Baker-Mazara’s performance and continued contributions from the supporting cast, Auburn looks poised to remain a force in college basketball as the season progresses.