The Auburn Tigers secured a gutsy 70-68 victory over the Georgia Bulldogs. The Tigers overcame the absence of their star forward Johni Broome for a second straight game. With players stepping up across the roster, Auburn showed why the deserve the #1 Ranking!
Dylan Cardwell’s Gritty Effort
Dylan Cardwell anchored the Tigers in the post, logging 22 minutes despite battling cramping issues throughout the game. He finished with 2 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 blocks. He served as a defensive force and controlling the boards when it mattered most. Cardwell’s toughness kept Georgia’s bigs at bay and helped Auburn dominate the paint. He had to leave the court several times because of the leg issues. However, he was present on the final play of the game. It was a great display of heart and leadership from Auburn’s Captain.
Tahaad Pettiford Shines Bright
Freshman guard Tahaad Pettiford was the star of the night. He poured in a career-high 24 points on 7-of-13 shooting, including 5-of-7 from Three. Pettiford also contributed 2 assists and 2 steals, showcasing his all-around game. His ability to create offense and hit timely shots gave Auburn the spark it needed, particularly in the first half, when he scored 15. Once again, the Freshman was on the Free Throw line, late in the game. He was able to go 3-of-4 in the final few minutes to help secure the win.
Jaheim Hudson’s Key Minutes Off the Bench
Jaheim Hudson delivered 16 impactful minutes off the bench, scoring 5 points and grabbing 3 rebounds. His contributions will not show on the stat sheet. However, he was in on some crucial stops and rebounds for Auburn down the stretch. His offensive rebound with under 2 minutes left a huge to help keep Georgia at bay. Hudson’s versatility and energy gave Bruce Pearl’s squad the lift it needed in Broome’s absence.
Team Resilience
Auburn, despite having some struggles (only shooting 39% from the field), weathered the Georgia runs throughout the game. Georgia’s attempts to close the gap late were thwarted by Auburn’s composure and timely defensive stops. A big steal from Chad Baker-Mazara with just over 4 minutes left in the game a key moment late.
This win not only showcased Auburn’s depth but also proved the Tigers can rally together in the face of adversity. Auburn remains the only team that has yet to lose in conference play. Next up, Auburn gets a week off to prepare for Tennessee inside of Neville Arena.
For highlights of the game, check out THIS VIDEO.
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