In Nashville, Auburn basketball is gearing up for a critical SEC Tournament rematch against Mississippi State, and the stakes couldn't be higher. Auburn's Achilles' heel lately has been its struggle to defend the 3-point line, and no one exploited that weakness more than Mississippi State's Josh Hubbard.
Hubbard, the SEC's second-leading scorer, put on a dazzling display, dropping 35 points in the first half alone and finishing with an impressive 46 points, including 10 three-pointers. His performance was a key factor in Auburn's 91-85 loss.
As the teams prepare to face off again on Wednesday, March 11, at 2:30 p.m. CT, the focus for Auburn is clear: contain Hubbard.
Head coach Steven Pearl emphasized the need for tighter defense, saying, "Of the nine 3s he made in the first half, five were due to poor coverage. The rest were tough, contested shots.
We can't afford early mistakes against a player like him. Once he gets going, the rim looks huge."
Hubbard's 46-point explosion was a career night, setting personal bests in points and 3-pointers made, with a remarkable 62.5% shooting from beyond the arc. However, since that game, Mississippi State has struggled, ending the regular season with six consecutive losses. Hubbard continued to shine individually, averaging 20.6 points during that stretch, including standout performances against Florida and Georgia.
Auburn's KeShawn Murphy highlighted the lessons learned from their previous encounter, noting, "For a guy to put up 35 points in the first half, it was a wake-up call. It showed us how much we need to improve defensively."
As Auburn looks to turn the tables, their ability to disrupt Hubbard's rhythm and defend the perimeter will be crucial. This rematch isn't just about advancing in the tournament; it's about redemption and proving they've learned from past mistakes.