In a stunning display of skill and precision, Jaylin Williams led No. 13 Auburn to an impressive 80-65 victory over Vanderbilt, showcasing a perfect performance with a game-high 21 points. The fifth-year senior set the tone by making a hook shot on the opening possession, and from there, he never missed a shot, finishing 7-of-7 from the field, including two successful 3-pointers, and converting all five of his free throws.
Auburn guard K.D. Johnson recognized Williams' flawless shooting and humorously advised him, saying, "You better just take only lay-ups. Stay perfect." Williams, who achieved a career-high 17 points in the first half, heeded the advice and only took two shots in the second half, both of which found the mark.
Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl commended Williams for his selfless play, stating, "He plays the game the right way, gives God a chance to bless him."
Williams' remarkable performance contributed to Auburn's 10th consecutive win, maintaining an impressive streak with victories by 11 or more points. The Tigers are now 4-0 to start SEC play, asserting their dominance on the court.
Auburn faced a resilient Vanderbilt team that briefly took a 16-14 lead. However, Auburn responded with a formidable 20-2 run, featuring a three-point play from Williams and back-to-back 3-pointers from Aden Holloway, who finished the game with 10 points. The Tigers' defensive prowess was evident as they held Vanderbilt to just eight points in the final 12:32 of the first half, establishing a commanding 41-24 lead at halftime.
While Williams shone brightly, the frontcourt duo of Johni Broome and Dylan Cardwell played pivotal roles in the second half. Broome recorded his 53rd career double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds, showcasing consistent excellence. He has now scored in double figures in each of the team's last eight games, averaging an impressive 15.8 points per game over that span.
Cardwell, with a career-high 12 points in the second half, displayed dominance at the rim and contributed defensively with six rebounds, two blocks, and a steal in just 15 minutes. Pearl lauded Cardwell, emphasizing his relentless effort on both ends of the court.
Auburn's frontcourt tandem of Williams, Broome, and Cardwell proved to be a formidable force, securing the team's victory and extending their winning streak. The Tigers' 15-point win at Vanderbilt marked their second-largest margin of victory at the venue and their 16th win in 55 games at Memorial Gymnasium.
Pearl's favorable record against Vanderbilt, now at 14-9 in his head coaching career, including 6-5 at Auburn, adds to the team's success. The win at Vanderbilt extended Auburn's winning streak to 10 games, the longest since the 2021-22 season's 19-game streak.
Auburn's dominance was further emphasized by their ability to hold a halftime lead in eight out of their 15 victories this season, showcasing their consistency. The team excelled in second-chance points, scoring a season-high 29 on 14 offensive rebounds, and maintained a high free-throw percentage, shooting 81.8% at Vanderbilt.
Williams, with his impeccable performance, emerged as the focal point of Auburn's success, contributing to the team's outstanding frontcourt display. As the Tigers return home for a top-25 matchup against Ole Miss, Williams and the frontcourt will undoubtedly be key components in their pursuit of continued success.
