Observations: Auburn 62, Ole Miss 57 – A Close Contest in the SEC

In a tightly contested battle, the Auburn Tigers secured a hard-fought 62-57 victory over the Ole Miss Rebels. This game was a crucial one for both teams as they jockey for positioning in the Southeastern Conference standings. Both teams came into the matchup with plenty to prove, and the game’s final score reflects just how evenly matched the two sides were.

Auburn, who has had its fair share of ups and downs throughout the season, managed to pull out a win in this SEC clash despite some struggles, while Ole Miss gave everything it had, making this one of the more intense games of the season. Let’s dive into some key observations from the game, breaking down individual performances, team dynamics, and what this win means for Auburn moving forward.

1. Auburn’s Defensive Grit Shines Through

One of the defining features of Auburn’s win against Ole Miss was their defensive resilience. As has often been the case under head coach Bruce Pearl, the Tigers brought their defensive intensity to the floor, especially when the game was on the line. Ole Miss made some runs throughout the game, but Auburn’s defense was the backbone that helped them secure the victory.

The Tigers’ defensive effort started in the first half, when they forced Ole Miss into several turnovers and contested nearly every shot. This aggressive defense stifled Ole Miss’ offense and disrupted their rhythm. Auburn’s defensive strategy was built around pressuring the ball, helping off screens, and not allowing easy entry passes into the paint.

One standout in Auburn’s defense was Jabari Smith, the freshman forward, who continues to impress as a versatile two-way player. Smith was consistently in Ole Miss’ face, contesting shots and grabbing key rebounds. His presence on the defensive end allowed Auburn to weather Ole Miss’ scoring spurts and limit their second-chance opportunities.

Another important aspect of Auburn’s defense was their ability to switch effectively on screens. This versatility in the defensive scheme allowed the Tigers to stay in front of their men, preventing open looks from beyond the arc and limiting dribble penetration.

When it mattered most, Auburn’s defense stood tall. In the final minutes, as Ole Miss attempted to mount a comeback, the Tigers didn’t let up. They made Ole Miss work for every point, and some crucial stops during Ole Miss’ late-game push helped seal the win.

2. Struggles on Offense – A Game of Missed Opportunities

While Auburn’s defense was stout, their offense was a different story. The Tigers struggled to consistently find good looks, and it was evident from the outset that they weren’t firing on all cylinders offensively. At times, Auburn seemed out of sync, with missed shots and unforced turnovers preventing them from running away with the game.

Auburn’s shooting percentage was a bit concerning. The Tigers finished the game shooting 41% from the field, which isn’t disastrous but certainly isn’t what they are capable of. Their three-point shooting was particularly cold, as they only converted 5 of 20 shots from beyond the arc (25%). These struggles from deep allowed Ole Miss to stay in the game, as they were able to capitalize on Auburn’s missed opportunities.

Allen Flanigan, in particular, had an off night shooting the ball. The sophomore guard finished with 10 points but shot only 4 of 13 from the field. Flanigan was unable to find his rhythm offensively, and that inconsistency was felt throughout the game. Despite this, Flanigan showed his value by contributing in other areas, including grabbing several key rebounds and playing strong defense.

The offensive struggles were also compounded by a lack of ball movement at times. Auburn’s offense was at its best when the ball was moving and players were setting screens for each other. However, there were possessions where the Tigers became too reliant on isolation plays, leading to poor shot selection or forcing shots. This was something that head coach Bruce Pearl will likely address moving forward, as this kind of offensive stagnation can be detrimental in tougher matchups.

Despite the offensive struggles, Walker Kessler played a pivotal role in the victory. The 7-foot-1 center finished with 12 points, 7 rebounds, and a game-high 5 blocks. His ability to alter shots in the paint and finish around the rim was crucial for Auburn, and he made some key buckets down the stretch that helped keep Auburn in control.

3. Ole Miss’ Fight – Never Letting Up

Ole Miss came into this game with a chip on their shoulder, and they were never far from making this a game. While the Rebels had some issues with scoring efficiency (shooting just 39% from the field), they played hard on both ends of the floor and showed why they are a team that can’t be taken lightly.

Jarkel Joiner, Ole Miss’ senior guard, was the standout player for the Rebels, finishing with 15 points and a few big-time baskets down the stretch to keep his team within striking distance. His ability to drive to the basket and get to the free-throw line was a key part of Ole Miss’ offensive strategy, and he played with great tenacity throughout the game. Joiner’s aggressive play and ability to create his own shot gave Auburn fits, and his leadership on the floor kept Ole Miss competitive.

Another key player for Ole Miss was Nysier Brooks, who was dominant in the paint on both ends. Brooks finished with a double-double, scoring 10 points and pulling down 12 rebounds. His physicality in the post gave Auburn some problems, as the Tigers had trouble matching his size and strength at times. Brooks’ presence in the rebounding battle kept Ole Miss in the game, as the Rebels managed to pull down 11 offensive rebounds, giving them extra opportunities on offense.

However, Ole Miss’ inability to capitalize on those second-chance opportunities ultimately hurt them. Despite fighting hard, they were unable to overcome the defensive pressure from Auburn and missed too many key shots in the game’s final minutes. The Rebels made things interesting with a late run, but Auburn’s defense and free-throw shooting in the final moments sealed the deal.

4. Key Moments That Defined the Game

There were several key moments throughout the game that ultimately decided the outcome:

• Auburn’s Late Free-Throw Execution: In the final minute, Auburn went to the free-throw line with the game still within reach for Ole Miss. The Tigers showed composure at the charity stripe, knocking down crucial free throws when it mattered most. Jabari Smith and Walker Kessler each knocked down free throws in the dying seconds, helping Auburn stretch their lead and close out the victory.
• Kessler’s Defensive Presence: In the second half, Auburn’s defense was crucial in keeping Ole Miss from making a big run. Walker Kessler had a couple of timely blocks, including one on a fast break layup that would’ve cut the lead to one. His ability to anchor the paint and disrupt Ole Miss’ attempts at scoring was a game-changer.
• Ole Miss’ Late Push: The Rebels made a strong push in the final few minutes of the game, with Jarkel Joiner hitting some big shots and cutting the lead to just 3 points. However, Ole Miss couldn’t string together enough stops or convert enough opportunities in the closing moments to make it a truly tight game.

5. What This Win Means for Auburn

The win is a big one for Auburn in their quest to improve their SEC standing and solidify their place in the NCAA Tournament. While this game wasn’t a perfect performance, it was a gritty win that showed the Tigers’ ability to lock down defensively and find ways to win, even when their offense isn’t firing on all cylinders.

Auburn moves to a 19-9 overall record and 11-6 in SEC play, giving them valuable momentum heading into the final stretch of the regular season. This victory also helps Auburn stay firmly in the middle of the pack in the SEC, with a chance to improve their seeding for the upcoming SEC Tournament.

However, there are still areas for improvement. Auburn’s offense needs to become more efficient and consistent if they want to make a deeper run in March. If they can continue to defend at a high level while finding better offensive flow, they will be a tough team to beat in the postseason.