It’s do or die time.
From here on out, every game for Auburn’s men’s basketball team could be their last of the season as begin Southeastern Conference tournament play Wednesday, March 11, in Nashville, Tennessee.
The first opponent is a familiar one in the Mississippi State Bulldogs, who the Tigers lost to 78-71 at Auburn Arena in January. Auburn didn’t win another home game after that, losing seven straight to close out the season.
Head coach Bruce Pearl said the Bulldogs’ athleticism presents quite the challenge for his team.
“Mississippi State is a very quick team,” Pearl said. “They are one of the quickest and most athletic teams in our league. They are very deep. They play ten guys. They are tough covers. They had us down 18 in the second half, and we battled and got within two points late. It was a tough matchup for us, and they were able to separate themselves from us the first time.”
One factor that may improve the Tigers’ chances at success is the return of senior guard Antoine Mason, who is rejoining the team after taking time off after his father’s passing.
“It is great to have him back after a difficult time, and it is still a difficult time for him,” Pearl said. “This says a lot about Antoine and our team. One of the things throughout this whole process is we let Antoine take the lead on when he was going to come and go. That is the way it has been through both his father’s illness as well as returning to play. We really didn’t discuss with him the particulars about it and if and why he was going to come back. I left that up to him and when he decided that’s what he wanted to do we worked with him on it.”
As far as Wednesday goes, Pearl said picking up a win in the SEC Tournament would be a big step toward the rebranding of his program.
“A win in the tournament at any point in our young history would be important,” Pearl said. “It would be something that we could put in the left column as an accomplishment. We have to get back in transition. Mississippi State did a really good job of guarding us, and we are going to have to guard them. My focus is what can we do to score and stop them. The reflection on the season or how important a win would be for our program is stuff that I can’t control right now. I have to focus on what game plan will give us a chance.”
Senior guard and SEC leading scorer KT Harrell echoed his coach’s words.
“(Wining) would mean a lot,” Harrell said. “It is a good time to do it. We are playing a good Mississippi State team. They beat us here at home. I know they are going to come out and play hard.”
Harrell also agreed that it will help to have his running mate Mason back next to him.
“We need him,” Harell said. “He has been going through a lot. It is good to see him and see him around like we are used to. We are going to go out there and play hard for him.”
Auburn’s game against Mississippi State will tipoff at 6 p.m., and be broadcast on the SEC Network.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
