The Auburn Tigers are set to face off against the Mississippi State Bulldogs in Starkville, MS, with tip-off scheduled for 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2. The Tigers enter the game as 4-point favorites, with a moneyline of -190 and a total set at 153.5 points.
As the teams prepare for this crucial SEC matchup, Auburn’s recent performance has been concerning. The Tigers hold a 14-11 overall record and a disappointing 5-7 in conference play, currently mired in a four-game losing streak. A key player for Auburn, Keyshawn Hall, has been suspended indefinitely, but there appears to be hope for Hall’s return. Coach Steven Pearl noted that Hall participated actively in practice and is expected to move closer to a comeback.
Despite these challenges, Auburn showcased their potential earlier in the season with a notable victory over Florida. Their success then stemmed from a focus on high-percentage two-point shots rather than relying heavily on three-pointers. Tahaad Pettiford has emerged as a standout, averaging 25 points over his last three games and excelling in the pick-and-roll. Additionally, KeShawn Murphy’s rebounding prowess will be essential against a Mississippi State frontcourt that has struggled defensively on the boards.
On the other side, Mississippi State holds a 12-13 overall record with a 4-8 mark in the SEC. The Bulldogs are coming off a much-needed victory against Ole Miss, snapping a three-game skid. They possess one of the top defenses in the conference, ranking 38th nationally and limiting opponents to just 29.7% shooting from beyond the arc. However, their offensive struggles are evident, with Josh Hubbard being the primary scorer. In the recent win against Ole Miss, Hubbard poured in 32 points, but the Bulldogs will need additional offensive contributions for a chance to upset the Tigers.
As both teams prepare for this crucial clash, it will be interesting to see how Auburn’s offense fares against Mississippi State’s strong defensive unit. With Pettiford hitting his stride and Murphy returning from injury, the Tigers will aim to break their losing streak and capitalize on the moment. Betting predictions favor Auburn to cover the spread at -4, highlighting a potential turnaround for the Tigers.
This matchup presents an opportunity for both teams to shift momentum as the season approaches its final stretches, and a win could be pivotal for their confidence moving forward.