In a commanding display of basketball prowess, the No. 13 Auburn Tigers secured a decisive 101-74 victory over the Missouri Tigers on March 5, 2024, at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Missouri. This win not only underscored Auburn’s dominance in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) but also highlighted Missouri’s ongoing struggles within the league.
Auburn’s Offensive Showcase
Auburn’s offense was firing on all cylinders, with five players scoring in double figures. Johni Broome led the charge with 17 points and eight rebounds, demonstrating his efficiency in the paint and on the boards. Chad Baker-Mazara contributed 15 points and seven rebounds, showcasing versatility and scoring ability. Jaylin Williams added 15 points, further emphasizing Auburn’s balanced offensive attack.
The Tigers’ offensive strategy was evident in their shooting percentages. They matched a season-high for points in an SEC game, equaling their total in a previous 101-61 victory over South Carolina on February 14. Notably, Auburn scored a season-best 104 points in a December 9 win over Indiana, highlighting their offensive capabilities.
Dominance on the Boards
Rebounding played a pivotal role in Auburn’s victory. They outrebounded Missouri 41-28, leading to a substantial 22-7 advantage in second-chance points. This dominance on the glass allowed Auburn to maintain offensive momentum and limit Missouri’s opportunities.
Missouri’s Continued Struggles
Missouri’s season woes persisted with this loss, dropping them to 0-17 in SEC play. Despite a strong first-half performance, where they trailed by only five points at halftime (44-39), Missouri couldn’t sustain their competitiveness in the second half. Sean East II led Missouri with 21 points, and Tamar Bates added 12, all in the first half. Aidan Shaw tied his career high with nine rebounds, but these individual efforts weren’t enough to counter Auburn’s balanced attack.
Coaches’ Perspectives
Auburn’s head coach, Bruce Pearl, acknowledged Missouri’s resilience despite their challenging season. “You have to give Missouri credit. Most teams without the culture, the character of Missouri and their coaching staff, would have packed it in a long time ago,” Pearl remarked. He also emphasized Auburn’s improved second-half performance, noting their enhanced defense and unselfish offensive play.
Missouri’s head coach, Dennis Gates, recognized Auburn’s strength and potential for a deep NCAA Tournament run. He reflected on his team’s challenges, including in-season surgeries affecting key players, but refrained from using them as excuses for their performance.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, Auburn improved to 23-7 overall and 12-5 in the SEC, keeping them in contention for at least a share of the SEC regular-season title. Their 12 conference wins are tied for the fifth-most in program history, and their 23 overall wins rank seventh. Auburn’s next challenge is a home game against Georgia, where they aim to continue their winning momentum.
Missouri, now 8-22 overall, faces the prospect of finishing the season without a conference win. They must secure a victory at LSU in their upcoming game to avoid going winless in conference play for the first time since the 1907-08 season.