Auburn and Ole Miss have crossed paths in some of the SEC’s most intense battles, but this time, the stakes are at an all-time high. With Auburn red-hot and Ole Miss fighting to stay afloat, injuries and momentum could determine the fate of both teams. Can Bruce Pearl’s Auburn take one step closer to SEC supremacy, or will Ole Miss flip the script and stun the Tigers?
Auburn is on fire, riding a four-game winning streak that has solidified their SEC standing. But for Ole Miss, the timing couldn’t be worse. Their recent struggles have left them desperate for a turnaround, and with March Madness looming, they can’t afford another slip-up. Will Auburn’s momentum prevail, or can the Rebels turn the tide?
Neville Arena is set to be electric on Wednesday night as Auburn fans rally behind Bruce Pearl’s squad. With March Madness fast approaching, every game feels like a playoff battle, and the home crowd will make sure the Tigers feel the urgency. Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM EST, and all eyes are on Auburn’s push for SEC dominance.
Injury Report for Auburn vs Ole Miss SEC Showdown
Auburn’s depth will be tested as starting point guard C. Baker-Mazara remains doubtful for Wednesday’s clash. Coach Bruce Pearl has remained tight-lipped about the extent of his injury, but his absence could be a serious blow. Baker-Mazara has been a key playmaker for the Tigers, and with March Madness nearing, Auburn will need to find a way to adjust if he’s unable to suit up.
Jan 6, 2024; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers guard Chad Baker-Mazara (10) celebrates with guard Tre Donaldson (3) after a three point shot in the first half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bud Walton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Ole Miss may have to battle Auburn without one of their most crucial playmakers – Matthew Murrell. He remains questionable after suffering an injury against Mississippi State. His absence was glaringly felt in the Rebels’ recent loss to Vanderbilt, where they fell just short in a heartbreaker. Known for his perimeter shooting and ability to stretch the floor, Murrell could have been a game-changer in that matchup. If he remains sidelined against Auburn, Ole Miss will need a new spark on offense to keep up with the Tigers.
Starting Lineup:
Ole Miss Rebels – Malik Dia, Sean Pedulla, Jaylen Murray, Jaemyn Brakefield, Mikeal Brown-Jones.
Auburn Tigers – Johni Broome, Miles Kelly, Denver Jones, Chaney Johnson, Dylan Cardwell.
Pearl’s Auburn Tigers have been one of the most consistent teams in the SEC, blending defensive grit with an explosive offense. Their ability to dominate inside the paint, led by Johni Broome, has made them a nightmare matchup for opponents. But as March Madness approaches, it’s not just about winning, it’s about peaking at the right time. Can Auburn carry their momentum onto the next stage?
Auburn’s latest win against Georgia wasn’t flashy, but it was exactly what Bruce Pearl’s squad needed for another step toward SEC dominance. The Tigers controlled the pace early, grinding out a 29-24 lead at halftime. But it was in the second half that they truly flexed their muscles, outscoring Georgia 53-46 to seal an 82-70 victory.
Auburn Tigers forward Johni Broome (4) blocks Alabama Crimson Tide guard Mark Sears (1) as Auburn Tigers take on Alabama Crimson Tide at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala., on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024. Auburn Tigers lead Alabama Crimson Tide 55-41 at halftime.
At the heart of Auburn’s success? Johni Broome. The star forward put on a masterclass, dropping 31 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 assists in 36 minutes of action. With performances like this, he’s making a strong case for NCAA Player of the Year.
With just a handful of games left, Ole Miss Rebels are running out of time to right the ship. Their 19-8 record shows inconsistency and a string of losses has also exposed their weaknesses at the worst possible moment. Sunday’s 77-72 defeat to Vanderbilt was another blow, despite a valiant second-half comeback attempt.
Malik Dia (22 points) and Sean Pedulla (21 points) led the charge, but once again, offensive struggles proved costly. The Rebels lacked a consistent scoring threat. And with Auburn’s defense ranked among the best in the SEC, things won’t get any easier.
With a red-hot Auburn squad standing in their way, can Ole Miss defy the odds and pull off a season-altering upset? Wednesday night will tell the story.
The post Auburn vs Ole Miss: Injury Report, Starting 5 and More as Bruce Pearl Looks to Cement SEC Supremacy on the Brink of March Madness appeared first on EssentiallySports.
