The Auburn Tigers are set to face off against the Mississippi State Bulldogs in a crucial SEC matchup, with both teams looking to bolster their tournament resumes. Mississippi State, with a record of 12-13, has been struggling to find consistency, averaging 76.2 points per game over their last five contests, while allowing 77.8 points per game, resulting in a -1.6 point differential. This trend is concerning, especially considering their recent form, which includes a 2-3 record over the last five games, with wins against Ole Miss and LSU, but losses to Tennessee, Arkansas, and Missouri. Auburn, on the other hand, has a record of 14-11, and has been averaging 80 points per game over their last five contests, but has struggled defensively, allowing 85.4 points per game, resulting in a -5.4 point differential. Their recent form has been lackluster, with a 1-4 record over the last five games, including losses to Arkansas, Vanderbilt, Alabama, and Tennessee, but a win against Texas.
The Bulldogs have been led by their offense, which has been clicking lately, scoring 90 points against Ole Miss and 80 points against LSU, but they have also shown vulnerability on defense, allowing 73 points to Tennessee and 88 points to Arkansas. Auburn, on the other hand, has been carried by their high-powered offense, which has scored 75 points or more in four of their last five games, but their defense has been a concern, allowing 84 points or more in three of their last five games. With both teams struggling on defense, this game has the potential to be a high-scoring affair, with the over/under set at 154.5 points.
Mississippi State's Recent Struggles
Key Matchups
The individual matchups in this game matters, with Mississippi State's top scorers facing off against Auburn's defense. The Bulldogs' leading scorer has been on a hot streak lately, averaging 22 points per game over the last five contests, and want to continue this trend against Auburn's struggling defense. Auburn's top scorer, on the other hand, has been inconsistent, scoring 25 points against Texas, but only 10 points against Tennessee. The matchup between these two players will be one to watch, as it could potentially decide the outcome of the game. Mississippi State's defense will also need to find a way to slow down Auburn's offense, which has been averaging 80 points per game over the last five contests. If they can find a way to limit Auburn's scoring, they may be able to pull off the upset.
As we look at the numbers, it's clear that Auburn has the edge in this matchup, with a 36% win probability for Mississippi State, according to the CHD Scout prediction.
CHD Scout Prediction
Auburn
82
Mississippi State
78
This prediction is largely based on Auburn's superior offense, which has been averaging 80 points per game over the last five contests, compared to Mississippi State's 76.2 points per game. Additionally, Auburn's defense, although struggling, has been slightly better than Mississippi State's, allowing 85.4 points per game compared to Mississippi State's 77.8 points per game. However, Mississippi State has the advantage of playing at home, which could give them a boost and potentially lead to an upset. If Mississippi State can find a way to slow down Auburn's offense and limit their scoring, they may be able to pull off the win. However, if Auburn's offense is able to get going, it could be a long night for the Bulldogs.
The tournament implications of this game are significant, with both teams looking to bolster their resumes.
Tournament Stakes
A win for Mississippi State would be a huge boost to their tournament chances, as it would give them a much-needed quality win against a top-4 seed. On the other hand, a loss would be a significant setback, and could potentially put their tournament hopes in jeopardy. For Auburn, a win would be a nice addition to their resume, but a loss would not be devastating, as they are still projected as a top-4 seed. However, a loss could potentially drop them to a 5-seed, which would make their tournament path much more difficult. The Bulldogs' recent form, which includes a 2-3 record over the last five games, has not been impressive, but a win against Auburn could potentially turn their season around. Auburn, on the other hand, has been struggling lately, with a 1-4 record over the last five games, but a win against Mississippi State could help them get back on track.
In terms of recent trends, both teams have been struggling with consistency, with Mississippi State averaging 76.2 points per game over their last five contests, and Auburn averaging 80 points per game. However, Auburn's defense has been a concern, allowing 85.4 points per game over their last five contests, which could potentially be exploited by Mississippi State's offense. The Bulldogs have been led by their offense, which has been clicking lately, scoring 90 points against Ole Miss and 80 points against LSU. If they can find a way to replicate this success against Auburn, they may be able to pull off the upset. On the other hand, if Auburn's offense is able to get going, it could be a long night for the Bulldogs. The matchup between these two teams has the potential to be a high-scoring affair, with the over/under set at 154.5 points. With both teams struggling on defense, it will be interesting to see which team can find a way to slow down the other's offense and come out on top. Mississippi State's defense must find a way to limit Auburn's scoring, while Auburn's defense must find a way to slow down Mississippi State's offense. If either team can find a way to do this, they will likely come out on top. The game is set to be a close and exciting matchup, with both teams looking to come out on top and bolster their tournament resumes.
HEADLINE: Auburn Tigers at Mississippi State Bulldogs: A Crucial SEC Matchup SUBHEADLINE: The Auburn Tigers are set to face off against the Mississippi State Bulldogs in a crucial SEC matchup, with both teams looking to bolster their tournament resumes, and Auburn holding a 36% win probability for Mississippi State.