NASHVILLE, Tenn. - In a thrilling semifinal matchup at the SEC Tournament, the No. 12 Auburn Tigers battled their way to a hard-earned 73-66 victory over Mississippi State, securing a coveted spot in the championship game. The contest was characterized by physicality and relentless determination from both sides.
"It was a rock fight because both teams were playing really, really physical," Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl said. "That's Mississippi State's MO. Our MO is playing hard all the time, not always quite as physical. They beat us on the boards, but we hung in there. We hung in there. I thought that was really important."
From the outset, it was evident that neither team was willing to yield an inch. The first half ended in a deadlock with both Auburn and Mississippi State tied at 31 points apiece. The Tigers managed to establish a slim lead in the second half, only to see Mississippi State mount a fierce comeback, narrowing the gap to a single point with five minutes remaining.
A pivotal moment in the intense clash between Auburn and Mississippi State came when Auburn's Dylan Cardwell stepped up with a series of electrifying plays. With the game hanging in the balance, Cardwell unleashed a thunderous two-hand slam, followed by a crucial block on the defensive end. Seizing the momentum, he then sprinted down the court to receive a pinpoint pass from Williams, finishing with another emphatic dunk. This sequence not only energized the Auburn faithful but also swung the momentum firmly in the Tigers' favor, providing the spark they needed to secure their hard-fought victory.
"To be honest, that was really a game-changer," remarked Chad Baker-Mazara, reflecting on Cardwell's pivotal plays. "I feel like that gave us a spark. It helped get the crowd involved, too. It was a really big play. He came in, basically came in clutch, and turned the whole momentum around."
Baker-Mazara himself played a significant role in Auburn's triumph, delivering timely shots including a midrange jumper and a clutch 3-pointer as the shot clock winded down. His contributions, along with those of his teammates, underscored Auburn's depth and resilience.
The junior-college transfer led the Tigers with 14 points, exemplifying the team's balanced scoring attack. In a testament to Auburn's depth, five players scored in double figures, showcasing their ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most.
"It was good to be in a close game," Pearl said. "I thought down the stretch obviously we didn't turn the ball over late, and we made our free throws. We got the ball to Jaylin Williams, Chad Baker-Mazara, and they did a great job closing it out."
Williams, alongside Denver Jones, contributed 13 points each, while Johni Broome and Tre Donaldson chipped in 10 points apiece. Their collective effort propelled Auburn to victory and earned them a berth in the SEC championship game.
With this win, Auburn advanced to the championship game for the fifth time in program history, setting up a highly anticipated showdown with the winner of the Florida versus Texas A&M matchup.
In summary, Auburn's hard-fought victory over Mississippi State showcased their resilience, depth, and ability to thrive under pressure. As they prepare for the championship game, the Tigers stand poised to etch their names in SEC Tournament history once again.
