Miss State at Auburn CBB Top 25 Matchup Prediction

Team Rankings and Recent Performance:

• Auburn, currently ranked No. 1, has had a strong season but will be without their star player Johni Broome due to an ankle injury. The Tigers come into this game after a victory over South Carolina but the loss of Broome is significant. Auburn’s defense has been a highlight, often setting the tone for their games.
• Mississippi State, ranked No. 16, has been playing well, particularly in physical games. They’ve managed to upset some strong teams recently, which has boosted their standing. Their road performance against top teams will be put to the test here.

Key Players:

• Auburn: Without Johni Broome, Auburn will rely heavily on players like Chad Baker-Mazara, who is expected to be a key offensive contributor. Denver Jones is also critical, especially in terms of inside play and defense.
• Mississippi State: Josh Hubbard has been a scoring machine for the Bulldogs, capable of putting up big numbers. 

Game Dynamics:

• Offense vs. Defense: Auburn’s defense will need to step up more than ever to compensate for the loss of Broome’s scoring and rebounding. Mississippi State’s physical style of play could challenge Auburn, particularly in rebounding and at the free-throw line.
• Foul Trouble: With Broome out, Auburn’s big men will need to stay disciplined to avoid foul trouble. Mississippi State doesn’t draw a lot of fouls, but they can take advantage if Auburn’s players get into foul trouble early.
• Home Advantage: Playing at Neville Arena, Auburn has the home crowd advantage, which can be significant in close games.

Watch Points:

• How Auburn adapts without Broome, particularly in defending the interior and on the boards.
• Mississippi State’s ability to manage the game’s physicality and turn it into an advantage against a less robust Auburn frontcourt.
• The performance of key guards on both teams, as they will likely dictate much of the game’s flow and scoring.

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