The top-ranked Auburn Tigers secured a dominant 94-78 victory over the No. 17 Kentucky Wildcats on Saturday, but they did so largely without their starting point guard, Denver Jones.
Jones was forced to exit the game after just eight minutes due to an injury, raising concerns about his availability moving forward. However, head coach Bruce Pearl provided a somewhat reassuring update after the game.
“Denver Jones only played 11 minutes,” Pearl noted. “He’s our starting point guard, our best defender, and he just couldn’t continue. The good news is we got it X-rayed, and it’s just a bone bruise. He’s going to recover, but he’s a tough kid. I was really worried he might have suffered a fracture or something more serious.”
Auburn’s win was particularly significant as it marked the program’s first victory at Rupp Arena since 1988. Securing the win without their starting floor general further underscored the team’s depth, resilience, and overall talent.
Rather than leaning on Player of the Year candidate Johni Broome, who had a relatively quiet night with nine points on nine shot attempts, Auburn’s guards stepped up in a major way.
The Tigers operate with a three-guard system, and in Jones’ absence, Chad Baker-Mazar and Miles Kelly took charge. Baker-Mazar contributed 22 points, while Kelly exploded for 30. Freshman standout Tahaad Pettiford also saw extended playing time, logging 33 minutes off the bench and delivering an impressive 21-point performance.
Kelly, in particular, was lethal from beyond the arc, knocking down 9 of 14 three-point attempts (64.3%). His outside shooting provided a crucial spark for Auburn’s offense and played a key role in securing the win.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Jones’ timeline for recovery, Auburn’s ability to adjust and thrive without him highlights their championship potential. If their backcourt continues to deliver at this level, the Tigers will remain a formidable force in college basketball.
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