NCAA Basketball: Duke, Memphis, Michigan State rise in latest top 25 power rankings
By Joey Loose
16. Auburn (12-2)
We’ve seen winning basketball from Auburn this season and the metrics really like what the Tigers have done through two months. It’s almost crazy to think where this team could be had they not dropped that game against Appalachian State back in early December, but they can only look ahead. There have been no further blemishes on Auburn’s resume, even as SEC play began this week.
One final nonconference game took place on Tuesday, with Auburn topping Penn 88-68. Johni Broome had a fantastic effort with 24 points and 12 rebounds while Chad Baker-Mazara added 16 points off the bench. Their performance over the weekend was even more impressive, with the Tigers delivering an 83-51 road win at Arkansas to open conference play. 16 points from Baker-Mazara led the team while Broome added 14 points and 8 rebounds in a dominant win.
The Tigers got their first road win of the season in style. They’ve flown slightly under the radar this season, especially after not being at a prominent holiday tournament, but this team has talent and the ability to make noise both in the SEC and beyond. The coming weeks will show us more about this team, starting with home games against Texas A&M and LSU in the next seven days.