The Auburn Tigers narrowly edged out the Georgia Bulldogs with a 70-68 victory in Athens, showcasing resilience and adaptability. Despite missing their team captain Johni Broome for the second consecutive game, the Tigers managed to maintain their impressive record of 17-1 overall and 5-0 in conference play. This win sets up an eagerly anticipated matchup against Tennessee next weekend. Key performances from players like Tahaad Pettiford, who scored a career-high 24 points, highlighted the team's depth and versatility. The game featured fluctuating momentum swings, rebounding dominance, and crucial contributions from the bench, ultimately securing Auburn's victory.
The contest began with Auburn establishing a commanding early lead. Following the first media timeout, the Tigers launched into a blistering 16-1 run, extending their advantage to 24-8. Tahaad Pettiford played a pivotal role during this stretch, scoring 12 points within the first seven minutes off the bench, including three successful three-pointers. Auburn's offense was firing on all cylinders, hitting 9 of their first 16 shots from the field. However, as the half progressed, Georgia mounted a significant comeback, closing the gap with an 18-7 run to narrow the deficit to just six points by halftime. The Bulldogs' defensive adjustments and improved shooting percentage contributed to this shift in momentum.
In the second half, Auburn faced challenges but demonstrated remarkable resolve. Chad Baker-Mazara, who struggled in the first half, bounced back with 13 points, adding much-needed firepower to the Tigers' attack. Miles Kelly also chipped in with 13 points, while Denver Jones and Jaheim Hudson combined for another 13. The bench proved instrumental, outscoring Georgia's reserves 32-15. Coach Bruce Pearl emphasized the importance of these contributions and the team's ability to adapt without their key player, noting that they focused on leveraging their strengths and addressing weaknesses.
Rebounding emerged as a critical factor in Auburn's success. After facing difficulties in previous games, the Tigers dominated the boards against Georgia. Dylan Cardwell and Chaney Johnson excelled in the frontcourt, with Cardwell's absence due to soreness providing an opportunity for senior Jaheim Hudson to contribute valuable minutes. Coach Pearl highlighted the significance of both the team's shooting accuracy from beyond the arc and their defensive rebounding prowess, which were crucial in maintaining their lead.
Despite the roller-coaster nature of the game, Auburn's leadership and depth shone through. The Tigers maintained composure and capitalized on key moments, ensuring they never trailed significantly. Georgia, despite their valiant effort, fell to 0-20 against AP No. 1 teams. As Auburn prepares for their upcoming clash with Tennessee, this hard-fought victory underscores their readiness and resilience heading into one of the most anticipated games of the season.