Coming off a win last Sunday against Texas A&M, Auburn (17-10, 6-8 SEC) seeks to add on to its 13-3 home record with a win over Mississippi State (20-9, 7-7 SEC) on Senior Night. Mississippi State is coming off a four-game losing streak, recently falling to Alabama.
Before Thursday’s game, Auburn will be honoring its senior basketball players as a part of its Senior Night. This will include Honesty Scott-Grayson, Taylen Collins, JaMya Mingo-Young, Carsen McFadden and Kionna Gaines.
This will be the first meeting between Auburn and Mississippi State this season. The Bulldogs are on an 11-game winning streak against the Tigers and lead the series overall 23-18. They last won 72-58 on Jan. 19, 2023, in Starkville. This game will be important for Auburn to snap that streak while also trying to enhance its chances of making the tournament.
The latest ESPN Bracketology has Auburn as one of the last four teams in and picking up a win against Mississippi State could be a huge resume booster.
Collins, Sydney Shaw and Mingo-Young all had 10 points against Texas A&M on Sunday, leading the Tigers to a win. Scott-Grayson had nine points against Texas A&M, her only game not scoring 15+ in SEC play this season. She has been the main focal point for Auburn’s offense, so expect her to get back on track against the Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs have four players who average double-digits scoring, including Jerkaila Jordan (17.2), Jessika Carter (15.1), Debreasha Powe (11.6) and Lauren Park-Lane (10.4). Auburn’s defense against Jordan will be crucial to limiting Mississippi State’s offensive production. Park-Lane averages 6.2 assists per game, which is the second highest in SEC play.
Defensive production has been a determining factor for many of Auburn’s games as it has been one of the best in the SEC. Auburn’s scoring defense is second in the league in SEC games at allowing only 61.9 points per game, behind No. 1-ranked South Carolina. Auburn will have to rely on causing turnovers where it averages 21.6 points off turnovers.
Auburn will have to make rebounding a talking point in this game as Mississippi State averages four more rebounds per game. Carter averages a double-double for the Bulldogs, so Auburn will need to protect the paint and cause turnovers. Auburn averages nearly three more steals per game than Mississippi State, so look for the Tigers to come out aggressive against the Bulldogs.
This game is focused on the seniors, but freshman Savannah Scott will have to play a big role in the paint against the Bulldogs. She has found herself back in the starting lineup on Sunday and has been a key contributor for the Tigers where she had five points and five rebounds in 10 minutes against Texas A&M. She also recorded three blocks against No. 9 LSU last time the two met.
Auburn is looking to finish a great homestretch with a win against Mississippi State on Thursday, Feb. 29, at 7 p.m. CST. The game will be televised on 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.
Tyler Cox is a sophomore from Atlanta majoring in journalism. He joined The Plainsman in fall 2023.
