Bruce Pearl: 'Size matters in jewelry, and it matters in basketball'

Auburn coach Bruce Pearl was proud his team’s defensive effort as it rolled to a victory against Missouri in its SEC opener on Saturday. It was dominant from start to finish, limiting all Mizzou starters to single digits in scoring.

That included leading scorer Mark Mitchell, who finished the game just 2-of-9 shooting. Auburn coach Pearl credited his team’s size and length on defense as being a major reason they were so successful in stopping the 6-foot-8 forward.

“Size matters. Size matters in jewelry and it matters in basketball,” Pearl said. “Our guys, Chaney, Dylan, Johni and look, Chad Baker. His length, the length of our guards. So they did a great job on Mitchell. I think the other guy to point out is (Anthony) Robinson. Robinson’s been tearing it up and he didn’t get a bucket tonight. He’s one of their better players.”

Big men Dylan Cardwell and Johni Broome combined for seven blocks in the game for Auburn, which also forced 16 turnovers. Broome also led the team with 24 points to go along with seven rebounds.

Although Auburn certainly got plenty of solid defensive play down low out of those two players, Pearl believes it was the effort from the guards that truly put them over the top.

“Again, Denver Jones does not get nearly enough credit, is not talked about,” he said. “He’s as good a defensive guard as their is in the country. He and Chad (Baker-Mazara) kind of lead us. Miles (Kelly) and Tahaad (Pettiford) and Jahki (Howard) and Chris (Moore) are coming into their all because we’ve got two of our best players in Denver and Chad are elite defenders.”

Auburn currently ranks No. 14 in adjusted defensive efficiency according to KenPom. It is also off to a 13-1 (1-0 SEC) start and is No. 2 in the AP poll.

Bruce Pearl has led the team to NCAA Tournament appearances in each of the past three seasons and has it well on its way to another this year. The Tigers are a veteran-laden team with all five of their starters being seniors, looking poised for a deep run.

For now, they will focus on a strong showing in the SEC as they got off to a good start Saturday. Auburn will next face Texas at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday.