We had an advantage on the inside,” Auburn coach said.
On February 4, 2025, the top-ranked Auburn Tigers extended their winning streak to 14 games with a commanding 98-70 victory over the Oklahoma Sooners at Neville Arena in Auburn, Alabama.
Dominant Performances
Auburn’s offense was led by Johni Broome and Chad Baker-Mazara, each contributing 15 points. Broome showcased his versatility by adding six assists, five rebounds, three blocks, and three steals to his stat line. Denver Jones and Chaney Johnson also made significant contributions, scoring 13 points each, while Tahaad Pettiford added 11 points.
Defensive Prowess
The Tigers’ defense was formidable, particularly in the paint, where they amassed 11 blocked shots. Dylan Cardwell was a standout, recording six blocks. Auburn’s interior defense limited Oklahoma’s scoring opportunities and forced 15 turnovers, which the Tigers converted into 22 points.
First Half Highlights
Auburn established an early advantage with a 27-17 lead, highlighted by an alley-oop dunk from Cardwell off a pass from Johnson at the 10:57 mark. Despite Oklahoma’s strong free-throw shooting, hitting 10 of 11 attempts, Auburn maintained control. The Sooners managed to narrow the gap to 38-34 after a set play led to a three-pointer by Luke Northweather. However, Auburn responded, closing the half with a 44-34 lead.
Second Half Surge
The Tigers intensified their efforts in the second half, initiating a 6-0 run that extended their lead to 50-34, capped by a step-back three-pointer from Baker-Mazara. Auburn continued to dominate, executing a 19-5 scoring run, culminating in a teardrop layup by Johnson, which expanded their lead to 78-53 with 7:31 remaining.
Oklahoma’s Efforts
For the Sooners, Dayton Forsythe led with 13 points, while Jalon Moore added 11 points. Jeremiah Fears and Kobe Elvis contributed 10 points each. Despite their efforts, Oklahoma struggled against Auburn’s stifling defense and potent offense.
Statistical Overview
Auburn’s dominance in the paint was evident, outscoring Oklahoma 46-20 in this area and recording six dunks. The Tigers’ defensive intensity was highlighted by their 11 blocked shots and the ability to capitalize on turnovers, leading to a significant scoring advantage.
Season Trajectory
This victory improved Auburn’s record to 21-1 overall and 9-0 in Southeastern Conference (SEC) play, reinforcing their position as the nation’s top team. The Tigers’ combination of offensive depth and defensive strength has been pivotal in their successful season.
Looking Ahead
As Auburn continues its season, the team’s focus will be on maintaining their momentum and addressing any areas for improvement. The Tigers’ performance against Oklahoma serves as a testament to their capabilities and sets a high standard for the remainder of the season.
In summary, Auburn’s comprehensive victory over Oklahoma showcased their offensive versatility and defensive tenacity, solidifying their status as a formidable force in college basketball.
