AUBURN, Ala. - Auburn rounds out a three-game home stand as they host Ole Miss, looking to sweep the season series. After downing the Rebels in a high-scoring battle in Oxford earlier in the SEC season, the Tigers look to continue their dominance over SEC foes in the return game against the Rebels.
Auburn comes in riding a four-game win streak. Since their lone loss in conference play at home against the Florida Gators, the Tigers have rattled off some impressive wins including a visit to the number two-ranked Crimson Tide in a game that solidified their place atop the nation rankings.
In their last two games in Neville Arena, Auburn has been challenged and pushed into the latter part of games by what most would perceive as inferior opposition, Georgia and Arkansas. Although Bruce Pearls' squad overcame these challenges, it highlights the importance of focus and discipline as a consensus single-digit seed in the NCAA tournament rolls into town.
Although bracketologists are high on Ole Miss they have dropped each of their last two and have a brutal stretch to finish the season. Both of these losses would be considered by most to be "good losses" and have not been because of the offense but rather despite it the Rebels have posted 70 plus in each game with the concern being on their ability to stop the opposition which Tiger fans got a good look at weeks ago when Auburn posted 92 points in Oxford.
Ole Miss leans on Sean Pedulla for their offense and for good reason the guard has averaged over 14 points and three assists leading the Rebels in both categories, he will be a tough assignment for whoever on the Tiger’s draws him. Pedulla had a game high 29 last time out against Auburn and shot 10-16 from the field including three threes in his 35 minutes.
For Auburn, the focus of many fans will be on the Tiger’s ability to showcase the dominance they have become so accustomed to. Any chance Auburn has at dominance will be driven by Johni Broome. Broome, a national player of the year candidate, dropped 31 last time out against Georgia and 20 when the Tigers faced the Rebels.
Team success like what Auburn has had this year does not come from one player however, but rather a team effort, with the play of guys such as Chad Baker-Mazzara who has become a reliable offensive and defensive threat for Auburn, and guys off the bench such as Tahaad Pettiford who many regard as one of the best freshman in the country.
Big men such as Dylan Cardwell will be huge in this game as far as the rebounding battle goes Auburn Dominated the glass last time out against the Rebels with two players, Broome and Cardwell, in double-figure boards no doubt a huge factor in Auburn’s ability to propel themselves past Ole Miss late last time.
Together it is a collective experience with an average age of just over 23 Bruce Pearl has compiled a team that has gelled better than words can describe each player complimenting others to fuel the well-oiled machine that has been Auburn.
Auburn hosts Ole Miss at Neville Arena with a 6 p.m. CT tipoff time the game will be televised live on ESPN2.
