The Auburn basketball team remains unbeaten in conference play after a tough 70-68 win over the No. 23 Georgia Bulldogs. It was the Tigers' second game without leading scorer Johni Broome, who injured his ankle against South Carolina, and once again they proved they have what it takes, even down a player.
Both Miles Kelly and Chad Baker-Mazara ended the day with 13 points, but it was true freshman Tahaad Pettiford who truly stepped up for Auburn, knocking down 24 points in 22 minutes played.
Ja'Heim Hudson also helped the Tigers to victory, stepping up when Dylan Cardwell and Chaney Johnson weren't having their best game and when Cardwell struggled with cramps at the end of the game. Here's what the team had to say about the weekend's win.
Head coach Bruce Pearl on Pettiford's performance, per Auburn Undercover:
"He's a special player. Special players have got to make special plays in tough situations. People keep asking me, why does Tahaad always play best against the best teams we play against? The reason is when you're playing a really good team like Georgia, everyone is challenged at every position. Therefore, your best players have to be the ones that step up."
Pearl on Hudson's contributions, per Auburn Rivals:
"I thought Hudson did a phenomenal job stepping up and holding the fort down in there defensively and made a couple of baskets and got three offensive rebounds. That's what the team is all about. Just next man up."
Pettiford on playing without Johni Broome, per Auburn Undercover:
"We're showing the world we can play without him. He's a big part of this team and we would love to have him back anytime he can come back, but it can be anybody's day at any time. I just love how on this team, somebody can have their day and the whole team can build around them."
The Tigers will return to action this Saturday, when they host ESPN College GameDay and the Tennessee Volunteers.