Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl has never been one to underestimate an opponent, and as his top-ranked Tigers prepare to face Georgia, he knows his team is in for a battle. Auburn, sitting at No. 1 in the nation, has established itself as a force in the SEC, but Georgia is desperate to make a late-season push for the NCAA Tournament.
With March Madness looming, every game matters, and Pearl is making sure his squad stays focused. “All 40 minutes matter,” he emphasized ahead of the matchup, acknowledging that Georgia will bring its best effort in an attempt to bolster its tournament résumé.
Auburn will have a key advantage this time around: Johni Broome. The Tigers’ star forward, who missed their previous matchup against Georgia, is expected to make a significant impact. Meanwhile, Miles Kelly’s improved defense could be a factor in how Georgia approaches the game.
Let’s take a closer look at what to expect in this highly anticipated SEC showdown.
Auburn’s Mindset: Staying Hungry at No. 1
Being ranked No. 1 brings a target on a team’s back, and Pearl understands the importance of keeping his players mentally sharp. Auburn has been dominant all season, but with the pressure mounting as conference play winds down, maintaining focus is key.
Pearl emphasized that complacency is not an option. “Every opponent is fighting for something, and we can’t afford to take our foot off the gas,” he said. Georgia is in desperation mode, which makes them dangerous.
The Bulldogs are hovering around the NCAA Tournament bubble, meaning an upset win over the nation’s top teamcould dramatically improve their standing. Auburn, meanwhile, is playing for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, making this a crucial game for both sides.
Johni Broome’s Return: A Game-Changer for Auburn
One of the biggest differences from Auburn’s last meeting with Georgia will be the presence of Johni Broome, the Tigers’ dominant big man.
Broome, a double-double machine, missed the previous matchup, and Auburn had to adjust without its interior anchor. With him back, the Tigers will have a significant edge in rebounding, rim protection, and post scoring.
Pearl acknowledged Broome’s importance: “Having Johni changes the way we play. He gives us a presence inside that’s tough to match.”
Georgia will need to find a way to counter Broome’s physicality in the paint. If they can’t, it could be a long night for the Bulldogs.
Miles Kelly’s Improved Defense: A Boost for Georgia
While Auburn has the advantage inside, Georgia will look to disrupt the Tigers on the perimeter, and Miles Kellycould play a key role in that effort.
Kelly, known primarily for his scoring ability, has made notable strides defensively. Pearl took time to recognize Kelly’s improved ability to guard multiple positions, which could be critical in slowing down Auburn’s dynamic backcourt.
Pearl noted: “Kelly’s become a more complete player. He’s making an impact on both ends of the floor now, and that makes Georgia tougher to play against.”
If Kelly and Georgia’s perimeter defenders can limit Auburn’s three-point shooting, they might be able to keep the game within reach and force the Tigers into a grind-it-out battle.
The Keys to the Game
For Auburn, the formula for success remains the same: dominate inside, push the pace, and control the boards. With Broome back in the lineup, the Tigers should have a significant advantage in the paint, but they can’t afford sloppy playagainst a Georgia team that’s hungry for a season-defining win.
For Georgia, the focus will be on slowing down Auburn’s offense and forcing them into tough shots. If they can knock down perimeter shots and stay aggressive defensively, they’ll have a chance to make things interesting down the stretch.
One thing is certain: this won’t be an easy win for Auburn. Pearl knows his team has to be locked in from start to finish because in SEC play, no game is ever a given—especially when a team like Georgia is fighting for its postseason life.
Final Thoughts
As Auburn prepares for another tough SEC test, Bruce Pearl is making sure his team remains laser-focused on the task at hand. He knows that in college basketball, especially in a conference as deep as the SEC, anything can happen if his players aren’t fully engaged for all 40 minutes.
With Johni Broome back in the lineup, Auburn will be in a strong position to handle business, but Georgia’s desperation makes them a dangerous opponent. Expect an intense battle, as both teams fight for something big: Auburn for its No. 1 seed, and Georgia for its NCAA Tournament hopes.
Tip-off can’t come soon enough.