Preview: Mizzou Will Be Tested Early With Conference Opener at No. 2 Auburn

So far this season, the Missouri Tigers have consistently proven they are a solid team, showcasing their dominance against opponents and fiercely defending their home court.

Mizzou has started the season with a strong 11-2 record, with all of its wins coming at home. After suffering a season-opening loss at Memphis, the Tigers responded with a ten-game win streak, highlighted by several impressive performances.

The Tigers rallied from a double-digit deficit to defeat Cal and secured a monumental victory over their biggest rival, the No. 1 ranked Kansas Jayhawks.

While these accomplishments bolster their 2024-25 season resumé, the Tigers will need to do more if they hope to make it into the NCAA Tournament this March. That journey begins with the challenges of in-conference play.

The Tigers started the 2023-24 campaign in a similar fashion, racking up home wins and entering conference play with an 8-5 record, fully prepared for the grueling challenges ahead. That team, however, wasn’t ready to compete at the highest level, ultimately going winless in conference play.

Head coach Dennis Gates has transformed this team into something truly special, and fans will be hoping to catch a glimpse of that potential on Saturday afternoon.

Mizzou faces a tough challenge, as playing in Auburn is never easy—especially against the No. 2 ranked team in the country. If the Tigers believe they have something to prove, tomorrow afternoon presents the perfect opportunity to make a statement and set the tone for the rest of the season.

Auburn, boasting a 12-1 record and riding a five-game winning streak, has one of the most potent offenses in the NCAA, complemented by a strong defense. Their only loss came in early December, a six-point defeat against No. 4 Duke.

Auburn’s 12 wins include marquee victories over No. 4 Houston, No. 5 Iowa State, No. 21 Memphis (who defeated Mizzou in the season opener), No. 12 UNC, and No. 16 Purdue. Auburn’s résumé is one of the most impressive in the NCAA and undoubtedly the strongest of any opponent Mizzou has faced so far this season.

If Mizzou hopes to contain Auburn’s high-powered offense, they’ll need to identify and neutralize key playmakers early while maintaining defensive pressure across the court. This season, the Tigers rank 5th nationally in steals per game, averaging an impressive 10.3 per contest—a significant increase from their 7.7 average in 2023.

Additionally, Mizzou’s offense will need to find ways to score against Auburn’s 36th-ranked defense. While impressive, this ranking suggests there are opportunities to exploit weaknesses across the court. For context, Mizzou’s defense is ranked 92nd on the same list, highlighting the challenge but also the potential for the Tigers to capitalize offensively.

As strong as Auburn is as a team, there’s no denying they are powered by a one-man wrecking machine: Johni Broome.

Broome, a senior from Florida, is playing in his fifth collegiate season and third with Auburn since transferring from Morehead State after the 2021-22 season. While he showed inconsistency during his time with the Eagles, his decision to transfer has paid off, as he’s clearly found his stride with the Tigers.

Standing just under seven feet tall and weighing around 250 pounds, Broome defies the mold of a typical veteran big man.

In approximately 27 minutes per game, Broome averages over 18 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and nearly 3 blocks per contest—all of which lead his team. He also ranks in the top five nationally in both rebounds and blocks, underscoring his dominance on both ends of the court.

Broome is highly efficient, shooting over 56% from the field, though he struggles from beyond the arc, shooting under 30%. If Mizzou focuses on defending him in the paint and plays more passively around the perimeter, they can limit his impact inside.

No other Auburn player averages more than 11 points, five rebounds, or a block per game. This means that if Mizzou’s defense can effectively contain Broome, they’ll have a strong chance to get defensive stops, creating opportunities to capitalize offensively.

Broome is a smart player who understands his role, rarely turning the ball over—he’s had only one game this season with more than two turnovers. However, when his game plan isn’t effective, he tends to panic and forces shots in an attempt to compensate for the team’s struggles.

Additionally, Broome has a tendency to get into foul trouble, which often limits his playing time. This forces Auburn to manage his minutes carefully to avoid losing him early to fouls.

In Auburn’s lone loss to Duke, Broome struggled, shooting just 8-of-18 from the field and a season-low 0-of-3 from beyond the arc. He was held to only one block—his lowest of the season—and committed a season-high five fouls. When in foul trouble, Broome appears to panic, forcing uncharacteristic shots as he attempts to “do it all” for his team. Exploiting this tendency could be key for Mizzou.

If Mizzou hopes to replicate what Duke accomplished last month, it starts with getting Broome flustered. Guarding him with multiple players, especially in the paint, will be key, as he has proven to be less reliable from deep. Disrupting his rhythm early could throw off Auburn’s entire game plan.

This is a game where Mizzou has an opportunity to earn a ton of national respect against one of the best teams in the nation.

NCAA basketball truly heats up as conference play begins. Mizzou will look to make a statement to the league when they take on Auburn this Saturday afternoon at 3:00.