Highlights of Auburn vs. LSU basketball | 1.29.25
Auburn vs. LSU: January 29, 2025 – Game Highlights
The Auburn Tigers traveled to Baton Rouge on January 29, 2025, to face off against the LSU Tigers in a high-stakes SEC basketball showdown. Both teams entered the game with solid conference records and a shared desire to climb the ranks of the SEC. With tensions high and both squads hungry for a win, the game quickly turned into a thrilling contest, full of intensity, momentum shifts, and individual brilliance.
Pre-Game Context: Rivalry Renewed
Auburn and LSU have developed a competitive rivalry over the years, with both programs competing not only for SEC supremacy but also for positioning in the NCAA Tournament. Auburn, led by head coach Bruce Pearl, has emerged as a top-tier program in recent seasons, known for its up-tempo style and aggressive defense. LSU, under head coach Matt McMahon, has made strides in rebuilding its program, with a focus on developing young talent and improving its defensive schemes.
Heading into this game, Auburn boasted a record of 15-4 and was ranked No. 15 in the AP Poll. LSU, while not as highly ranked, had shown resilience with a record of 12-7, seeking to bolster its tournament resume with a victory over a ranked opponent at home.
First Half: Auburn’s Fast Start
From the opening tip, Auburn came out with an aggressive, fast-paced approach. The Tigers’ high-energy offense, which thrives on pushing the ball in transition, was immediately evident. Point guard Wendell Green Jr. orchestrated the offense with poise, pushing the tempo and facilitating quick ball movement. Green’s leadership was apparent, as he scored or assisted on Auburn’s first few possessions, setting the tone early.
The game’s first significant highlight came just under three minutes into the contest. Auburn’s star forward, Johni Broome, took an inbounds pass and immediately drove to the basket, finishing with a smooth, acrobatic layup while drawing a foul. The free throw gave Auburn an early 7-2 lead, and it seemed as though they would dominate the opening minutes.
LSU, however, was not rattled. The Tigers’ defense, which had been inconsistent throughout the season, showed up when it mattered. LSU’s guard play was impressive in the opening stanza, particularly from sophomore guard Justice Hill, who repeatedly attacked the paint and found open shooters on the perimeter. Hill’s ability to break down Auburn’s defense kept LSU within striking distance, even as Auburn continued to push ahead.
At the 12-minute mark, the game’s intensity began to pick up, with both teams exchanging baskets at a rapid pace. LSU forward KJ Williams was a force down low, using his size and strength to bully his way into the paint for several easy baskets. His presence inside forced Auburn to adjust defensively, and the game became a back-and-forth affair.
LSU’s Resilience: A Shift in Momentum
Midway through the first half, LSU began to find its rhythm. While Auburn had been able to stretch its lead to as much as seven points, LSU mounted a run behind strong shooting from Hill and Williams. Hill, in particular, showcased his ability to create opportunities for his teammates, dishing out several key assists. His ability to drive and kick created open looks for LSU’s perimeter shooters, including Adam Miller, who hit two crucial three-pointers during the stretch.
Defensively, LSU’s press started to stymie Auburn’s fast breaks. The Tigers from Baton Rouge turned up the heat with full-court pressure, forcing several turnovers and getting easy points off fast breaks. A highlight of this stretch came when LSU forward Derrick Fountain stole a pass from Green and finished with a powerful dunk on the other end, bringing the Pete Maravich Assembly Center crowd to its feet and cutting Auburn’s lead to just one point.
With momentum on their side, LSU closed out the half strong. A timely three-pointer by Miller and a clutch floater by Hill in the final seconds gave LSU a 42-40 lead going into halftime.
Second Half: Auburn’s Defensive Adjustments
Auburn entered the second half with a renewed focus on defense. Head coach Bruce Pearl made it clear in his halftime speech that his team needed to tighten up its defensive rotations, particularly on LSU’s perimeter shooters and inside threats. The Tigers responded early in the second half with a more aggressive, switch-heavy defensive scheme designed to disrupt LSU’s rhythm.
The opening minutes of the second half saw a back-and-forth exchange of baskets, but Auburn’s defense began to make a noticeable impact. Johni Broome, a versatile forward known for his shot-blocking and rebounding, became a major factor. Broome had several crucial defensive rebounds and blocks, including one where he swatted away an attempted layup by LSU’s Williams, sending the ball into the stands and igniting his teammates.
Auburn’s offense also found its groove. Green continued to facilitate, setting up shots for his teammates while also getting his own buckets. A key moment came when Green drove the lane and kicked out to senior Allen Flanigan for a wide-open three-pointer. Flanigan, who had struggled with his shooting early in the season, showed flashes of his former self, knocking down crucial shots to keep Auburn in front.
Clutch Plays: The Battle Down the Stretch
As the second half wore on, it became clear that this game would be decided by a few key moments. LSU’s defense began to buckle under the pressure of Auburn’s offensive versatility. The Tigers from Auburn were able to capitalize on several offensive rebounds and second-chance points, an area where they had the edge all game long.
At the 7-minute mark, the game was tied at 60, and the tension in the arena was palpable. It was clear that every possession would matter in the final minutes. Auburn, however, began to assert itself with timely defensive stops and clutch shooting.
Auburn’s defense made another big play with about 5 minutes left. With LSU looking to take the lead, Green picked off a pass at the top of the key, igniting a fast break. He found Broome in transition, and Broome finished with a powerful dunk over an LSU defender, putting Auburn up by four.
From there, LSU’s offense seemed to stall. Despite several efforts to cut the lead, LSU’s shot selection became increasingly forced as Auburn’s defense swarmed every possession. Broome, in particular, was a dominant force on the defensive end, blocking shots and securing key rebounds.
The Final Minute: Auburn Seals the Win
With less than a minute remaining, LSU had one last chance to tie or take the lead. Hill drove to the basket but was met by Broome, who blocked his shot at the rim. The ball bounced out, and Green quickly secured the rebound, forcing LSU to foul. Green calmly knocked down both free throws, extending Auburn’s lead to six points.
On LSU’s next possession, Miller missed a contested three-pointer, and Auburn’s Flanigan grabbed the rebound. LSU fouled Flanigan, but it was too little, too late. Flanigan made one of two free throws, and Auburn was able to run out the clock for a hard-fought 74-68 victory.
Post-Game Analysis: Auburn’s Winning Formula
Auburn’s victory was built on a balanced team effort. Johni Broome was the standout player, finishing with 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 blocks. His presence in the paint was a game-changer, both offensively and defensively. Wendell Green Jr. also played a crucial role, contributing 14 points and 7 assists while making key plays down the stretch.
Allen Flanigan’s timely shooting (12 points, 3-for-5 from beyond the arc) proved to be pivotal in keeping Auburn’s offense clicking when LSU mounted its runs. Auburn’s ability to crash the boards (41 total rebounds to LSU’s 32) and limit LSU’s second-chance opportunities was also crucial in the win.
LSU, despite the loss, showed strong fight throughout the game. Justice Hill finished with 15 points and 8 assists, showing his ability to control the tempo and create for his teammates. KJ Williams was a force inside, tallying 20 points and 9 rebounds, but his efforts weren’t enough to push LSU past Auburn. Adam Miller contributed 13 points, but his shooting struggles in the second half limited LSU’s ability to mount a comeback.
Looking Ahead
For Auburn, this victory strengthens its position in the SEC standings and bolsters its NCAA Tournament résumé. The Tigers will look to carry this momentum into their upcoming home stretch, where they will face tough conference opponents.
LSU, on the other hand, will need to regroup after this tough loss. With several key games remaining, the Tigers must improve their consistency and defense if they hope to remain in contention for an NCAA Tournament spot.
In conclusion, the Auburn vs. LSU game on January 29, 2025, was a thrilling showcase of SEC basketball. Auburn’s depth, defensive adjustments, and clutch performances in the final minutes allowed them to secure a vital road win in Baton Rouge. The game served as a reminder of just how unpredictable and exciting SEC basketball can be, with both teams giving it their all in a contest full of high drama and intensity.
