Kessler sets single-season block record in season sweep of Ole Miss

Behind a record-setting performance by sophomore center Walker Kessler, Auburn completed the season sweep of Ole Miss, beating the Rebels 77-64.

Kessler broke the school’s single-season blocks record Wednesday, recording 131 blocks so far this year. The previous record of 126 was held by Kyle Davis, set in the 2003-2004 season.

“He is the greatest shot blocker I will ever coach,” said head coach Bruce Pearl. “I told him after the game that I want more.”

The 7-foot-1 center finished his night just two blocks shy of his third triple double of the season. The Georgia-native did notch a double-double for his troubles with 12 points, 10 boards and had eight of Auburn’s nine blocks. 

“He was two blocks away from a triple double,” Pearl said. “It is crazy the impact he has.”

It was not all the big man against Ole Miss though, as two of Auburn’s smallest players put up big numbers.

Auburn’s point guard tandem of Zep Jasper and Wendell Green Jr. exploded against the Rebels, combining for 29 points on over 50% shooting.

Jasper tied his season-high in scoring with 15, knocking down 4 of 5 from deep and Green Jr. looked like his usual self, putting up 14 points, five rebounds and four assists.

“We hit shots that we know we can make,” Green said. “We have been kind of in a slump lately, but once we hit shots, that is what our offense can look like."

Between Jasper’s 27 minutes and Green Jr.’s 22, the tandem only turned it over three times combined. 

“I thought I could get it going tonight,” Jasper said. 

Auburn trailed only for a total of 98 seconds against Ole Miss. After taking the behind a fast break Green three pointer with 13:34 to go in the first, Auburn never relinquished the lead. 

To open the second half, Auburn found itself back in the shooting slump that has been plaguing the team. 

Ole Miss opened on a 9-0 run in the second half, cutting Auburn’s 12 point halftime lead to just three. 

Jabari Smith Jr. ended the drought behind a pair of free throws, and Ole Miss was effectively put in the rear view mirror as it was easy sailing for the rest of the contest.

Smith finished his night with 15 points and nine boards, one rebound shy of a double-double. 

"Balanced scoring, more balanced minutes, balanced shots. That is when we play our best,” Pearl said. 

Pearl said postgame that he recently challenged both of his point guards to play above their recent sub-par production.

For Jasper, Pearl said he had been sending him text messages to be more selfish with the ball, much akin to how he recently treated Smith. 

"He is such an unselfish kid,” Pearl said. “He was deferring too much. I just wanted him to know I believe in him offensively. Zep made the shots, Zep made the plays."

As for Green, Pearl took to trying to humiliate the young point guard in order for him to break out of his shooting slump.

“We've been teasing Wendell big-time,” Pearl said. “He and Jabari shoot together before the game. I told him, 'You know, that used to be competitive.' And he just looked over at me."

Green answered his call by nailing three straight threes to open the game. Jasper scored 10 straight in the first half. 

"This is us,” Green said. “A slump doesn't define us. Hopefully we can get this going into March."

Overall, Pearl was more than pleased his teaching lessons worked on his point guards. 

“We talked about trying to cut back on our turnovers,” Pearl said. “I challenged our point guards to be better. I thought Wendell and Zep were terrific tonight."

Auburn’s next opponent is No. 17 Tennessee in Knoxville on Saturday. When asked about his next opponent, Jasper was relieved his team had his game before the Tigers meet the Vols. 

"Leading into Tennessee, I think we got our confidence back,” Jasper said.