The Auburn Tigers delivered a commanding performance with a historic 83-51 victory over the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bud Walton Arena. This triumph marked the largest defeat ever suffered by Arkansas on their home arena.
"We played really well. From that point forward, we just played great basketball," Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl said.
Auburn's Chad Baker-Mazara played a pivotal role in Auburn's success, contributing 16 points, with a notable 14 points coming in the crucial first half. Baker-Mazara's dynamic play not only showcased his scoring ability but also helped settle the team, playing a significant role in Auburn's commanding 32-point victory.
"It was really exciting, especially the way we just played and were clicking together. It was special to us," Baker-Mazara said.
Auburn's dominance extended to both ends of the court, evident in their 46-32 rebound advantage, a staggering 48 points in the paint, and a robust defensive effort that limited the Razorbacks to a mere 31 percent shooting.
Johni Broome, Auburn's formidable presence in the post, showcased his prowess in the second half, scoring 14 points on an efficient 7-of-9 shooting. Broome finished the game with a team-high eight rebounds, two blocks, and two steals, reinforcing Pearl's acknowledgment of his pivotal role, "We're going to go as far as Johni Broome takes us."
With this resounding victory, Auburn improved their season record to an impressive 12-2, extending their winning streak to seven games. The Tigers' dominance during this stretch has been notable, winning all seven games by an average margin of 25.1 points.
The significance of this triumph at Bud Walton Arena goes beyond the immediate victory. It marked several milestones, including Auburn's third win at Arkansas under Pearl and the largest defeat ever experienced by Arkansas in their home arena. The Tigers' exceptional defensive effort held Arkansas to a mere 51 points, representing the fewest the Razorbacks have scored in five seasons under head coach Eric Musselman.
As the Tigers look ahead, their next challenge looms in the form of a matchup against Texas A&M on January 9, 2024. Pearl emphasized the importance of maintaining the team's momentum as they return home for back-to-back SEC games against Texas A&M and LSU in Neville Arena.
Auburn's historic win over Arkansas not only showcased their strength, resilience, and potential for a successful SEC campaign but also highlighted the impactful contributions from players like Chad Baker-Mazara and Johni Broome. As the Tigers continue their season, these performances bode well for sustained success and make Auburn a force to be reckoned with in the competitive landscape of college basketball.
