In a thrilling contest between two top-tier coaches, Bruce Pearl and the Auburn Tigers showcased their resilience by defeating Arkansas 67-60. This victory marks Auburn’s twelfth conference win of the season, pushing their impressive record to 24-2 overall and 12-1 in SEC play.
Both teams faced challenges with their shooting, particularly from beyond the arc, but Auburn’s determination and physicality ultimately prevailed. Postgame, Coach Pearl acknowledged the challenges posed by Arkansas’s strong defense, noting, “It was going to be a struggle, because Arkansas is so good defensively and such a great rim protecting team. Our offense left a lot to be desired tonight.”
The game began with a series of turnovers, as Auburn committed seven mistakes early on. Despite their struggles, they managed to hold a six-point lead by halftime. The Razorbacks found success driving to the basket, scoring 18 of their first-half points in the paint while only sinking one three-pointer.
Highlights of the game included Chad Baker-Mazara reaching a career milestone by scoring his 1,000th point as an Auburn Tiger, receiving enthusiastic cheers from the home crowd. Johni Broome stood out with a dominant performance, leading the game with 16 points and 13 rebounds, marking his 16th double-double of the season and bringing his career total to 76, which ranks second among active Division I players.
Despite Arkansas’s strong offensive effort, which included four players scoring in double figures led by Adou Theiro with 16 points, Auburn’s defense and rebounding were critical to their success. They out-rebounded the Razorbacks 42-29 and effectively contained Zvonimir Ivisic, keeping him scoreless throughout the game.
With the win, Auburn continues to build momentum as they head into upcoming home games against Georgia and Ole Miss. This victory not only emphasizes their competitiveness in the SEC but also their capacity to overcome adversity, showcasing a promising outlook for the remainder of the season.