The Auburn Tigers returned home without player of the year favorite Johni Broome, and they took care of business blowing out No. 15 Mississippi State.

Earlier in the week, while discussing Auburn, I explained why I think the Tigers deserve their No. 1 ranking but acknowledged I also find it hard to believe they're actually the best team in the country without the injured Johni Broome.

Chad Baker-Mazara scored 20 points, and No. 1 Auburn beat No. 15 Mississippi State 88-66 on Tuesday night in its first game without star center Johni Broome.

Auburn played its first game without injured star Johni Broome but Mississippi State basketball did not take advantage. And it wasn’t even close. The No. 18 Bulldogs (14-3, 2-2 SEC) were dismantled 88-66 at No.

That resume puts Mississippi State at No. 18 in the NCAA NET rankings, making Tuesday’s game a Quad I opportunity for Auburn. It’s the Tigers' ninth Quad I game of the season so far, tying them with Oregon for the most Quad I games played and most wins (7).

Five Auburn players scored in double figures and the host Tigers, the top-ranked team in the nation, survived their first test without their best player, Johni Broome, prevailing 88-66 over No. 15 Mississippi State on Tuesday.

Chad Baker-Mazara scored 20 points, and No. 1 Auburn beat No. 15 Mississippi State 88-66 on Tuesday night in its first game without star center Johni Broome. Chaney Johnson, who replaced Broome in the starting lineup,

Auburn Tigers defend their top spot in the AP Poll, overcoming Johni Broome's injury and showcasing strong SEC road win depth. Ben and Donnie recap the game.