Auburn picked up a crucial SEC road victory on Tuesday night, defeating Vanderbilt 80-68 in Nashville. The Tigers used a balanced effort, fueled by Denver Jones’ early scoring, Chaney Johnson’s second-half surge, and Johni Broome’s late-game dominance, to secure the win.
Denver Jones Ignites Auburn’s Offense Early
Auburn came out firing, thanks in large part to the hot hand of Denver Jones. The junior guard was locked in from the jump, pouring in 14 first half points. Jones finished the game with 21 points on 7-of-10 shooting, including 5-7 from 3. His ability to find his rhythm early helped Auburn build an early lead and set the tone offensively.
Reflecting on his performance, Jones credited his mindset and preparation. “Coach emphasized coming out aggressive and looking to score,” he said. “That confidence from the coaching staff allowed me to find my rhythm early and help the team build momentum.”
Chaney Johnson Takes Over in the Second Half
After Vanderbilt made a run to cut into Auburn’s lead and even take a three-point advantage midway through the second half, Chaney Johnson responded in a big way. The senior forward went on a personal scoring spree, notching nine consecutive points to swing the momentum back in Auburn’s favor. Johnson’s physicality in the paint and ability to finish through contact were key in Auburn reclaiming control of the game. He concluded the game with 20 points in a standout performance.
Head coach Bruce Pearl praised Johnson’s impact, saying, “Chaney had the advantage on the inside, and he took advantage of it. He did a lot of things that were dominant.”
Auburn Tightens Up on Defense
Vanderbilt’s second-half surge was fueled by perimeter shooting and aggressive drives to the basket, but Auburn responded by clamping down defensively. The Tigers forced multiple tough shots and created key turnovers, limiting Vanderbilt’s clean looks down the stretch. Defensive rotations tightened, and Auburn’s ability to contest shots without fouling played a crucial role in stifling the Commodores’ offense in the final minutes.
Vanderbilt head coach Mark Byington acknowledged his team’s effort but emphasized the challenges they faced against Auburn’s dynamic offense. “Auburn’s early shooting put us on our heels, and while we managed to rally, their consistency and defensive adjustments in the second half made it difficult for us to maintain momentum.” He also highlighted Jones’ performance, stating, “Jones’ ability to score from multiple spots on the floor really stretched our defense.”
Johni Broome Closes It Out
With the game still in the balance, Johni Broome stepped up when Auburn needed him most. The Tigers’ star big man dominated the final stretch, scoring 15 of his 17 in the 2nd half. Johni’s points late helped to seal the contest for the Tigers.
Pearl highlighted Broome’s contributions, saying, “Johni was huge for us down the stretch. He controlled the boards and gave us the interior presence we needed to finish the game strong.”
Auburn’s ability to respond to adversity and execute in key moments proved vital in securing this road win. With this victory, the Tigers continue to build momentum as they push deeper into SEC play.
