Auburn Tigers vs Georgia State Panthers Picks and Predictions December 17th 2024

No. 2 Auburn Looks to Extend Dominant Run Against Struggling Georgia State

Riding the momentum of two resounding victories, No. 2 Auburn welcomes Georgia State to Neville Arena on Tuesday night, aiming for its third consecutive win. For the Tigers (9-1), it’s another opportunity to showcase their dominance before a marquee matchup with Purdue later this week, while Georgia State (4-6) looks to stop its slide and regain its footing.

Auburn’s Offensive Explosion Continues

Auburn has been nothing short of electric in its last two games, dismantling Richmond 98-54 and overpowering Ohio State 91-53 on Saturday. The 38-point victory over the Buckeyes was a statement win, highlighting the Tigers’ offensive firepower and defensive intensity.

Leading the way is Johni Broome, who etched his name into Auburn history with a 20-point, 20-rebound performance against Ohio State—the first such showing for the program since 1989. Broome’s dominance in the paint continues to set the tone for the Tigers, as he leads the team with 19.7 points and a nation-best 12.7 rebounds per game.

Head coach Bruce Pearl marveled at Broome’s impact following Saturday’s win.

“(Johni) is so incredibly talented. A 20-20 game where he missed nine shots, and every one of them looked like they were going to go in,” Pearl said.

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While Broome has been the centerpiece, Auburn’s supporting cast has been just as vital. Chad Baker-Mazara (12.6 points per game) and Tahaad Pettiford (11.1 points per game) provide consistent scoring depth, ensuring Auburn remains dangerous from all areas of the floor.

Pearl emphasized his team’s focus, refusing to let complacency seep in.

“We respected Ohio State and played well. But now we’ve got Georgia State on Tuesday and Purdue on Saturday. We’ve still got two tests before Christmas break,” Pearl said.

Georgia State Looks for Resilience Amid Struggles

For Georgia State, the road ahead is daunting. The Panthers arrive in Auburn on a three-game losing streak and have struggled against high-level competition this season, including heavy losses to SEC opponents Mississippi State (35 points) and Kentucky (29 points).

Their most recent setback came at home against Charlotte, a 77-63 defeat in which Georgia State shot just 34.5 percent from the field and a dismal 2-for-18 (11.1 percent) from three-point range. Despite the struggles, Zarique Nutter remains a bright spot, scoring 19 points in the loss and maintaining his team-leading average of 17.9 points per game.

Head coach Jonas Hayes praised his team’s resilience after Saturday’s loss, underscoring the need to keep pushing forward.

“We’ve got a lot of courage in this locker room,” Hayes said. “That little voice tells you to mail it in, and we say, ‘You know what, we’re going to get up and try this thing again.’ And that’s what we’re going to do.”

Alongside Nutter, Toneari Lane (14.5 points), Cesare Edwards (11.8 points), and Nick McMullen (10 points) will need to step up and find consistency against Auburn’s imposing defense.

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Key Matchup: Auburn’s Broome vs. Georgia State’s Frontcourt

Stopping Johni Broome will be Georgia State’s primary challenge. Broome’s ability to dominate the paint on both ends of the floor makes him the focal point of Auburn’s success. Georgia State’s big men, including Nick McMullen, will need to contain Broome while avoiding foul trouble—no small task against a player of his caliber.

On the offensive side, the Panthers must shoot far better than they did against Charlotte to have any chance of competing. If Nutter and Lane can find their rhythm early, they might keep Georgia State within striking distance.

What’s at Stake

For Auburn, Tuesday’s game is about maintaining focus and momentum. With a massive test against Purdue looming, the Tigers need to take care of business against Georgia State without overlooking their opponent.

For Georgia State, this is an opportunity to show fight and improvement against one of the nation’s best. A competitive showing would go a long way in building confidence as the Panthers look to end their nonconference slate on a high note.

The Bottom Line

Auburn’s combination of elite talent, offensive firepower, and defensive discipline makes them heavy favorites. If Johni Broome continues his dominant play and Auburn remains focused, the Tigers should comfortably secure their third straight win.

For Georgia State, it’s about resilience and pride—pushing back against adversity and proving they can compete against top-tier competition. Will the Panthers rise to the challenge, or will Auburn’s dominance continue in front of a raucous home crowd?