Auburn Tigers vs Mississippi State Bulldogs Picks and Predictions January 14th 2025

No. 2 Auburn, Missing Johni Broome, Prepares for a Showdown Against No. 14 Mississippi State

Auburn University is poised for a significant milestone, as the Tigers are expected to claim the No. 1 spot in the Associated Press Top 25 rankings on Monday. However, their upcoming Tuesday night game against No. 14 Mississippi State presents a formidable challenge. Auburn will face the tenacious Bulldogs without their star forward/center Johni Broome, who is sidelined due to a severe ankle sprain.

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Johni Broome’s Absence and Its Impact

Johni Broome, a player of the year contender, sustained a significant ankle injury during Auburn’s nail-biting 66-63 win over South Carolina on Saturday. The team received confirmation via MRI on Sunday that surgery is not required. However, the timeline for Broome’s return remains uncertain.

Broome’s contribution to Auburn’s success this season has been immense:

• Scoring: Team leader with 17.9 points per game.
• Rebounding: Dominates the boards with 10.7 rebounds per game.
• Playmaking: Adds 3.2 assists per game.
• Defense: Anchors the defense with 2.7 blocks per game.

Coach Bruce Pearl acknowledged the difficulty of replacing such a pivotal player, stating, “Without our player of the year, it’s going to be hard to find offense. Johni’s unstoppable down there. It’s going to be just like it was for us in the second half — got to be the next man up.”

Auburn’s Adjustments Without Broome

Auburn’s depth will be tested as the team looks to maintain its eight-game winning streak. Fifth-year senior Dylan Cardwell, averaging 5.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game, is expected to step into a larger role. Cardwell’s late-game heroics against South Carolina, including a critical dunk in the final minutes, highlight his potential as a reliable contributor.

To offset the absence of Broome, Auburn will need more offensive production from its other top scorers:

• Chad Baker-Mazara: The versatile forward averages 12.7 points per game and will likely see an increased role.
• Tahaad Pettiford: Known for his clutch plays, Pettiford scored crucial free throws to secure the South Carolina victory and averages 11.3 points per game.

The team’s offensive strategy will focus on collective effort, with all five double-figure scorers stepping up to maintain efficiency.

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Mississippi State: A Defensive Powerhouse

Mississippi State enters the game with a strong defensive reputation, forcing 14.6 turnovers per game and ranking 11th nationally with 10.1 steals per game. However, their recent 95-90 loss to No. 6 Kentucky exposed vulnerabilities in their defense, particularly against three-point shooting. Kentucky hit 16 three-pointers, snapping Mississippi State’s eight-game winning streak.

Coach Chris Jans on the Loss: “I was a little surprised by some of our shots. They just were almost like they were surprised they were open so I should shoot it. We have multiple guys take shots that were like, ‘We don’t need that.’”

The Bulldogs’ offense also struggled with discipline:

• Three-Point Dependence: Mississippi State attempted 40 three-pointers against Kentucky but converted just 12.
• Josh Hubbard: The team’s leading scorer (17 points per game) struggled with consistency, hitting only 3 of 11 attempts from beyond the arc.

While Hubbard has proven himself as a prolific scorer, his recent slump from three-point range (30.8% over the last 12 games) highlights the need for offensive adjustments.

Key Matchup Dynamics

The game will test both teams’ adaptability:

• For Auburn: Can they sustain their offensive rhythm without Johni Broome? The Tigers’ ability to rely on depth and distribute scoring responsibilities will be critical.
• For Mississippi State: Will their defense regain its usual tenacity, and can their offense strike a balance between aggression and efficiency?

Historical Edge for Auburn

Auburn leads the all-time series 83-71 and has won nine of the last 11 matchups against Mississippi State. Despite this historical dominance, the absence of Broome and Mississippi State’s hunger to bounce back from their recent loss could make this game a closely contested battle.

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Game Outlook

This matchup promises to be a litmus test for both teams:

• Auburn: A win would solidify their No. 1 ranking and affirm their resilience amid adversity.
• Mississippi State: Victory against a top-tier opponent could reignite their SEC campaign and build momentum.

Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see if Auburn can rise to the occasion or if Mississippi State’s defensive pressure will expose vulnerabilities in the Tigers’ lineup without their star player.

Conclusion

The Auburn-Mississippi State showdown is more than just a regular-season game — it’s a test of grit, depth, and strategic ingenuity. With so much at stake for both teams, Tuesday night’s contest promises to deliver high drama and compelling basketball action.