With All-American Johni Broome out, No. 1 Auburn returns home from a two-game roadtrip to host No. 15 Mississippi State in the Tigers' first ranked matchup of SEC play.
Here's what some of our sports staff has to say about the top-15 matchup between the Tigers and Bulldogs, complete with score predictions and analysis.
Patrick Bingham, Sports Editor: Auburn 71--70
"It's going to be a tall task for Chaney Johnson, Dylan Cardwell and Ja'Heim Hudson to fill the void without Broome. I think the key for tonight's game is if the big men can avoid foul trouble — like they did in the closing stretch against South Carolina — and if the guards can produce.
That being said, I expect Auburn to be comfortable at home and pull out a close when in a defensive battle."
Grace Heim, Assistant Sports Editor: Auburn 72-65
"I planned to write this without mentioning Johni Broome’s absence, but it’s undeniably one of the biggest factors in Auburn’s matchup against Chris Jans’ Bulldogs. Mississippi State will likely aim to slow the game down significantly, forcing Auburn into a lot of halfcourt play.
"That said, Auburn’s depth in the front-court and athleticism in the back-court should give the Tigers the edge. While I anticipate a slow start offensively, Auburn’s depth should carry them to another home victory."
Logan Fowler, Sports Reporter: Auburn 82-75
"Auburn will have its struggles with a physical, bruising team down low in Mississippi State, especially without Johni Broome. The trio of Chaney Johnson, Dylan Cardwell and Ja'Heim Hudson must elevate their play on both ends of the floor while avoiding foul trouble.
With the Auburn's scoring prowess and the ability for anyone to catch fire at any moment, I give the Tigers the edge in a close one in Neville Arena."
Gunner Norene, Sports Writer: Auburn 79-73
"I believe this game will be back-and-forth and high intensity all-around. One of the main keys to victory for Auburn is for the big men to stay out of foul trouble while also producing efficiently on the offensive end of the floor in the absence of Johni Broome. Accompanied by sufficient guard play and a significant home-court advantage, I think the duo of Chaney Johnson and Dylan Cardwell will perform well enough for Auburn to pull it out in the end."
Charlie Diegnan, Sports Writer: Mississippi State 73-69
"Auburn comes into this matchup at home following two games on the road that went down to the wire against unranked conference opponents Texas and South Carolina. Tuesday’s battle against No. 15 Mississippi State will be a hard fought game as the Tigers are without their Wooden Award frontrunner in Johni Broome. Broome, who is recovering from a left ankle sprain that occurred early in the second half against South Carolina, has been the difference maker for Auburn this season, leading the Tigers in seemingly every major statistical category.
"In Broome’s absence, players such as Chaney Johnson in the post and Tahaad Pettiford behind the arc must step up as the Tigers face one of their toughest matchups this season without their star. I expect this game to be back and forth for most of the game with Mississippi State ultimately defeating the newly ranked No. 1 Auburn Tigers in the games final moments courtesy of free-throws from the Bulldogs’ forward, Cameron Matthews."
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