In the SEC, you need to bring your best every single night, or someone will make you pay.
Auburn’s men’s basketball team defeated Georgia 82-70 in a game where Georgia kept things interesting. Staying within striking distance for most of the night.
Despite that, Auburn maintained control and found a way to win, improving to a 13-1 record in conference play. Inching closer to another SEC regular-season championship with each passing day.
Here are three takeaways from the home win against the Dawgs:
Johni Broome keeps making his case for National Player of the Year
In the first matchup between the Dawgs and the Tigers, Auburn narrowly escaped Stegeman Coliseum with a two-point victory. Despite being without their star player, Johni Broome.
However, if Broome had been sidelined in tonight’s game, the outcome likely would have been much different. In a contest where Auburn struggled to find offensive rhythm and consistency. Broome once again emerged as the hero, putting the team on his back.
Broome delivered a stellar performance, finishing with an Auburn career-high 31 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 assists, while shooting an impressive 61% from the field and 66% from three-point range. Most impressively, he amassed 19 points on 7-for-7 shooting in the second half and 17 coming in the final 14 minutes.
This remarkable performance couldn’t have come at a more opportune moment for Broome. As Auburn recently launched the “All 4 Auburn” campaign, which highlights his candidacy for the National Player of the Year Award. Broome’s play today reinforces why he deserves to be the front-runner in the National Player of the Year conversation.
Balanced Scoring from Auburn
While Johni Broome led the way with his 17th double-double of the season, Auburn’s victory was also fueled by a balanced scoring attack. Broome’s standout performance, with 31 points and 14 rebounds, anchored the team’s efforts.
Alongside him, Denver Jones contributed 17 points, shooting an efficient 5-of-9 from the field. Both Chad Baker-Mazara and Miles Kelly added 11 points each, showcasing Auburn’s offensive depth. This well-rounded scoring effort proved crucial in securing the win over Georgia, as the Tigers maintained control throughout the game.
Control of the game’s pace
The Tigers’ effective ball movement played a key role in controlling the pace. By running plays and moving the ball efficiently, Auburn was able to set up high-percentage shots, limiting Georgia’s chances to speed up the game or force crucial turnovers.
In addition to their ball movement, Auburn controlled possessions by waiting for good looks and avoiding rushed shots. This combination of effective ball movement and smart shot selection allowed Auburn to limit Georgia’s opportunities to push the pace in transition.
In summary, Auburn controlled the game’s pace through disciplined defense, efficient offense, and dictating when the game would speed up or slow down—ultimately preventing Georgia from finding a rhythm.
