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.

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.

Auburn men’s basketball came into Tuesday night’s clash against Mississippi State with a target on its back and missing its best player, Johni Broome. That didn’t end the run of dominance, though, as the Tigers cruised to an 88-66 win over the Bulldogs, improving to 16-1 overall and 4-0 in Southeastern Conference play.