By Kenneth Cross
NASHVILLE – No. 12 Auburn had to use its athleticism, especially in the posts, to overcome a strong 3-game run from a physical and active Mississippi State squad.
“Our balance really paid off,” explained Pearl. “I thought Jaylin (Williams) did a tough job on (Cameron) Matthews in this game because he is a real factor. I thought our five-men to only give Tolu (Smith) three baskets, were really significant. We were able to kind of defend Mississippi State on the inside. That was a big factor.”
The Tigers allowed the Bulldogs to shoot only 41 percent and Mississippi State only found a a trio of three-point field goals. Auburn withstood the physicality of State on the glass as MSU was a (+8) while scoring 12 points off of 17 offensive rebounds.
“We had to just come out there and basically execute,” said the athletic and active Chad Baker-Mazzara. “Coach told us what it was going to be about. SEC Tournament, not many foul calls, so we knew it was going to be a war down there.”
Baker-Mazzara has risen into one of the most electric Auburn players on both ends of the floor. He finished with 15 points and hit a key three off the baseline with 1:58 o play as he gave Auburn a 66-60 lead.
He had earlier given Auburn a push maybe when it needed it most. The Bulldogs had cut the lead to 57-56 after Auburn had a 53-44 advantage with 9:55 remaining.
However, one of the crowning moments for the Tigers took place when Baker-Mazzara fed Dylan Cardwell for a dunk before Cardwell slammed a second one on the next possession. The 6-7 junior from Santo Domingo hit a 15-footer with 3:23 left to push Auburn’s lead back to 63-56.
“It was a rock fight because both teams were playing really, really physical,” said Pearl. “That’s Mississippi State’s MO. Our MO is playing hard all the time, but not quiet as physical.”
Bulldogs freshman Josh Hubbard once again had a solid game. He only had four points when he hit a three with 8:41 to play. He then scored 16 points in a row to help MSU foster a comeback to cut the Tigers lead to 68-64.
“They just denied me a lot,” said Hubbard. “We pretty much expected it though. I feel like we did a good job to get transition points in the first half the way we did. Kept the game going like we wanted to keep it.”