AUBURN, Ala – The No. 1 Auburn Tigers (15-1, 3-0) welcome the No. 15 Mississippi State Bulldogs (14-2, 2-1) to Neville Arena Tuesday for the toughest conference test yet without All-American big man Johni Broome.
Fresh off their new ranking atop the AP poll, the Tigers are looking to make a statement after struggling on the road against South Carolina last Saturday. Auburn struggled to control the boards, and after Broome went out with an ankle sprain, things could have gone from bad to worse. Thanks to clutch play from Tahaad Pettiford, the Tigers snuck out of Columbia with a win.
The Bulldogs, however, should bring an even tougher test to Auburn. Mississippi State is led by electric sophomore guard Josh Hubbard, who averages 17 points and 3.2 assists per game. Hubbard has averaged 20 points per game across three matchups with the Tigers, and Auburn fans should remember his performance inside Neville Arena a year ago.
Mississippi State has not been outstanding in most statistical categories besides steals. They average 10.1 per game, near the top of the SEC. Their strength, much like Auburn, is their depth. Nine Bulldogs play 18 or more minutes per game.
Auburn’s depth took a hit with the announcement of Broome’s ankle sprain. Look for Forwards Chaney Johnson and Jahki Howard to increase their scoring output in Broome’s absence. With the big man out, the Tigers’ offense will likely run much more through its guards and wings, a different look than what teams have seen from Auburn most of the year.
Mississippi State is looking for a bounce back signature win. Auburn is looking to add to the nation’s strongest résumé. It’s a top-15 matchup on the Plains. The Tigers and the Bulldogs tip off at 6:00 p.m. Watch on the SEC Network or listen on the Auburn Sports Network.
