Auburn has been a tremendous surprise so far this season. Can the Tigers keep it up against a good Missouri team?
TV schedule: Wednesday, Jan. 24, 9:00 p.m. ET. SEC Network
Arena: Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Missouri
After everything that happened just right before the season, it was expected that the Tigers would be one of the worst teams in the SEC. Instead, without the two best pro prospects on the team, Auburn 17-2 (5-1) is a game in the win column out of first place.
This team has been resilient all season, and Saturday’s win over Georgia was another example of it. Despite being down by 14 at the half, the Tigers responded with 53 points in the final 20 minutes to steal back the game. The team’s leading scorer, Bryce Brown, had 28 points to lead the comeback effort.
The SEC as a whole has been surprising, with currently eight teams receiving a bid to the NCAA tournament, according to the latest Busting Bracket’s Bracketology — with Auburn getting the highest seed at three.
Another team getting a bid is Missouri 13-6 (3-3), but just by the skin of their teeth with a “last four in” bid. It’s actually a bit shocking the team is even in this position, after losing high school phenom Michael Porter Jr. in the opening minutes of the season. Led by a pair of seniors in Kassius Roberson and Jordan Barnett, the other Tigers still have plenty to play for.
Since entering SEC play, Missouri has alternated wins and losses, with the last game coming in a 60-49 loss to Texas A&M. This is a team that plays solid defense but does have droughts sometimes in games.
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The biggest question for Auburn will be whether the team can survive the massive size disadvantage in the post to Missouri. If Cuanzo Martin and the Tigers can grab offensive rebounds (No. 1 in defensive rebounds allowed in the SEC), then they have a great shot to win the game. Otherwise, they’ll have to keep up with Auburn in terms of shooting.
Prediction: Auburn 76 – Missouri 80