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.

With Johni Broome sidelined with an ankle injury, the Tigers defensive prowess stole the show in the victory over Mississippi State.

It turns out that the Tigers are just fine without star Johni Broome.

Five Auburn players scored in double figures and the No. 1 Tigers survived their first test without their best player, Johni Broome, prevailing 88-66 over visiting No. 15 Mississippi State on Tuesday.

Fresh off a newly-minted No. 1 ranking, Auburn men's basketball made another statement in a season chock-full of them. The Tigers obliterated Mississippi State 88-66 at home without superstar big man 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.