The top-ranked Auburn Tigers extended their winning streak to eight games by defeating No. 23 Ole Miss, 92-82, on Saturday at The Pavilion, solidifying their position as frontrunners in the SEC. Coach Bruce Pearl called this victory the team's toughest and best road win to date, highlighting their ability to respond effectively whenever Ole Miss made runs. This victory also marked Auburn's perfect 8-0 start to league play, and they showcased incredible prowess from beyond the arc by making 14 three-pointers.
"This was our toughest, our best road win so far," said Pearl. "Got some good ones, certainly in the league. I think the difference in the game was we were able to answer every run they made." The Tigers had remarkable shooting, especially from the three-point line, achieving their highest performance since the season opener. Three players—Denver Jones, Chad Baker-Mazara, and Miles Kelly—each contributed significantly from deep, with Jones scoring 16 points and four assists.
Auburn quickly established dominance, knocking down their first three shots from beyond the arc. This strong start was pivotal, allowing them to maintain control throughout the match. Jones, who had struggled early on this season, made his presence felt on the court, especially during the first half. "I don’t think Auburn can be beat if they go 14-for-28 from the 3-point line," said Ole Miss head coach Chris Beard, acknowledging the impact of Auburn's shooting accuracy.
The contributions from Auburn's big men were equally impressive, with Johni Broome and Dylan Cardwell both achieving double-doubles. Broome scored 20 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, marking his 13th double-double of the season. Cardwell also performed admirably, contributing 10 points and 13 rebounds, noting how having taller players made it easier for Auburn to dominate the boards. “We knew they were undersized. We knew they had some physical players, but we knew we were taller than them going in, and getting second chance rebounds was going to be our focus,” said Cardwell.
Yet, Ole Miss did not go quietly. They made significant efforts to claw back during the second half, scoring 48 points and keeping the game competitive. Pearl remarked, "They scored 82 points against us. They scored 48 in the second half. If they do this against Auburn, they're going to win against us often." This scoring surge by the Rebels can be attributed to their aggressive play, earning them 35 free throw attempts, the most by any Auburn opponent this season.
The series history continued to favor Auburn, as this win marked their seventh consecutive victory over Ole Miss, tying the program record for consecutive wins against them. This streak dates back to the 1960s and showcases Auburn's consistent dominance over their rivals. Notably, this continues to build on their record of having four consecutive 20-win seasons, now hitting 20 wins faster than any season since 1927-28.
Both teams engaged fiercely, and the match reflected the high stakes of SEC play. The atmosphere at The Pavilion was electric as fans rallied behind their teams, making it one of the more memorable contests of the season. Pearl praised the environment, saying, "What a great environment for college basketball. Coach Beard and his staff have done a great job eleviting this program. The guys they’ve got on their team are very capable, and this was tough competition." His appreciation for the opposing team underscored the respect he held for his fellow coach and the challenge they presented.
This game not only boosted Auburn’s standing but also increased their résumé's weight, marking their 13th quad-one win of the season—leading the nation. They have now achieved more quad-one wins than any other team, including Oregon, who is trailing with eight. This places Auburn at the seventh position for most quad-one wins attained within a single season, matching historic seasons of other elite programs.
Moving forward, Auburn is set to host Oklahoma next week and will be eager to continue their winning streak as the regular season progresses. With many challenging games on the horizon, the Tigers will need to maintain their form and continue the momentum built through this victory. The depth and cohesion among the players will be instrumental as they aim for not only their conference title but also national recognition as top contenders.
The Tigers' performance against Ole Miss rang true to their capability and resilience, setting the tone for the remainder of the season. With their skill set and determination, Auburn continues to turn heads across college basketball, aiming to leave their mark as one of the most potent teams this season. The coaching staff and players alike are confident heading forward, bolstered by their successes against top-ranked opponents.
Patrick is a junior from Auburn, Alabama, double majoring in journalism and marketing. He started with The Plainsman in fall 2022. You can follow him on Twitter at @patrickabingham.