The Auburn Tigers came into Wednesday night’s matchup against Missouri hoping to build on the momentum from their win over Arkansas. Instead, they walked away with more questions than answers after an 84-74 loss - their third defeat in the first four games of SEC play.
This one stung not just because of the scoreline, but because of how Auburn lost. They started strong, jumping out to a quick 3-0 lead on a Kevin Overton triple and even led by as many as seven in the first half.
But once Missouri grabbed the lead on a TO Barrett layup with just over seven minutes left in the opening half, the Tigers never got it back. From that point on, it was Missouri’s game to control - and they did just that.
Let’s break down five key areas that defined Auburn’s tough night in Columbia.
1. When the Stars Struggle, So Does Auburn
Auburn’s offense runs through Keyshawn Hall and Tahaad Pettiford. When they’re clicking, this team can go toe-to-toe with just about anyone in the SEC.
But on Wednesday, they couldn’t find a rhythm. The duo combined for just 19 points on 5-of-21 shooting and missed all eight of their three-point attempts.
That’s not going to cut it, especially on the road in a conference game.
Hall and Pettiford have carried Auburn in big moments this season, but when both go cold on the same night, the Tigers’ offense becomes stagnant. Missouri took full advantage, ramping up defensive pressure and daring others to beat them - a bet that paid off.
2. Missouri Ran the Floor - Auburn Didn’t
Transition defense was a major issue for Auburn in this one. Missouri racked up 22 fast break points, while Auburn managed just nine. That 13-point swing was a difference-maker in a game that was competitive for long stretches.
Missouri pushed the pace at every opportunity, capitalizing on missed shots and turnovers. Auburn, meanwhile, struggled to get out in transition, often settling into half-court sets that didn’t generate consistent looks. In a game where every possession mattered, Missouri’s ability to run the floor gave them a clear edge.
3. Missouri’s Stars Came to Play
While Auburn’s top players struggled, Missouri’s stepped up. Mark Mitchell delivered a well-rounded performance with 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists, showing why he’s one of the more reliable scorers in the conference. Jayden Stone was even more efficient, pouring in 22 points on 7-of-10 shooting.
Missouri didn’t just get production - they got timely buckets. Whether it was a momentum-shifting three or a strong finish at the rim, Mitchell and Stone consistently answered the bell. Auburn simply didn’t have an answer for them defensively.
4. Bench Battle: Missouri Wins Big
Depth played a big role in this one, and Missouri’s bench outperformed Auburn’s by a 31-21 margin. That’s a ten-point swing from the reserves alone.
Missouri played ten guys, keeping fresh legs on the floor and sustaining energy throughout the game. Auburn, by contrast, ran with a tighter eight-man rotation.
The standout off the bench was Missouri guard Trent Pierce, who had a breakout performance. He scored 18 points - his best of the season - and knocked down five of his seven three-point attempts.
Before this game, his previous high was just ten points. For Auburn, Elyjah Freeman led the second unit with 13 points, but it wasn’t enough to offset Missouri’s depth.
5. The Three-Point Disparity
Auburn’s struggles from beyond the arc were another key factor. They shot just 6-of-21 from deep (28%), while Missouri connected on 9-of-19 (47%). That’s a nine-point differential from downtown - and in a ten-point game, that’s your ballgame right there.
Pierce led all players with five made threes, while Stone added two more for Missouri. On Auburn’s side, Overton and Freeman combined for five of the team’s six total triples. The Tigers simply couldn’t stretch the floor effectively, and when the paint clogged up, it limited their offensive options.
Looking Ahead
Auburn now sits at 1-3 in SEC play, and while there’s still plenty of basketball left, they’ll need to regroup quickly. The good news? They return home Saturday to face South Carolina - a chance to reset in front of their home crowd.
But if they’re going to get back on track, it starts with their stars. Hall and Pettiford have to bounce back, the transition defense needs tightening up, and the bench has to bring more energy. The SEC doesn’t offer many soft landings, and Auburn can’t afford to let this skid continue.