Auburn Tigers vs Missouri Tigers Picks and Predictions January 4th 2025

Surging No. 2 Auburn Faces SEC Challenge vs. Missouri

No. 2 Auburn has navigated a brutal nonconference schedule with impressive results, earning wins against four nationally ranked opponents—Houston, Iowa State, North Carolina, and Purdue. Now, the Tigers (12-1) turn their attention to the SEC gauntlet, opening conference play at home against Missouri (11-2) on Saturday.

Auburn’s Dominance and Depth

Auburn’s only blemish came in a competitive 84-78 loss to then-No. 9 Duke on Dec. 4. Since then, the Tigers have showcased their depth and versatility, capped by an 87-58 blowout of Monmouth in their final nonconference tune-up on Dec. 30.

“It was the toughest nonconference schedule in the history of Auburn basketball,” said coach Bruce Pearl. “Now, we get ready to start the toughest conference schedule in the history of college basketball. The strong are literally going to be the only ones who survive.”

The Tigers feature a balanced attack with nine players averaging between 10.5 and 27.0 minutes per game. Five players average in double figures, led by 6-foot-10 forward Johni Broome, who has been a nightmare matchup for opponents with averages of 18.2 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and a conference-leading 2.6 blocked shots per game.

Feel Like You’re Missing Out?

Get Proven NCAAB Strategies Today!

Register Now!

Chad Baker-Mazara provides additional firepower, averaging 12.8 points on an efficient 52.1 percent shooting from the floor and an impressive 94 percent from the free-throw line. Freshman guard Tahaad Pettiford has also been reliable, averaging 11.2 points and 3.1 assists while shooting a perfect 14-for-14 from the charity stripe.

Missouri’s Road to SEC Play

Missouri enters the matchup with a signature win over then-No. 1 Kansas on Dec. 8, but the Tigers also suffered close losses to Memphis and Illinois. They capped their nonconference slate with an 82-65 win over Alabama State on Dec. 30, a game that saw guard Caleb Grill return to action after missing five games with a neck injury. Grill, who averages 12.6 points per game and shoots 51.1 percent from beyond the arc, brings added depth to Missouri’s lineup.

“It was just good to get back out there and be with my teammates,” Grill said. “I’m ready to help impact winning again.”

The Tigers’ scoring has been balanced, with eight different players leading the team in points at various times this season. Forward Mark Mitchell (13.8 points, 5.0 rebounds per game) and guard Tamar Bates (12.9 ppg) anchor the offense. Point guard Anthony Robinson II, who averages 10.7 points per game, is expected to return from illness for this crucial SEC opener.

Guard Tony Perkins has emerged as a key contributor, posting 30 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, and five steals over Missouri’s last two games.

Bet Smart on College Hoops Today! Discover NCAAB basketball expert picks and stay informed.

Key Matchups and Historical Context

Auburn leads the all-time series 10-6, including victories in the last four meetings and seven of the past eight. Broome’s dominance in the paint will test Missouri’s defensive resilience, while Grill and Mitchell must counter with perimeter scoring and versatility.

Both teams bring momentum and depth, setting the stage for a thrilling SEC opener. Auburn’s home-court advantage and defensive versatility give the Tigers a slight edge, but Missouri’s balanced scoring and recent success against top teams suggest they won’t go quietly.