Auburn’s men’s basketball team continued its dominant season with a hard-fought 67-60 victory over Arkansas, further solidifying its reputation as the top team in college basketball. With an impressive 24-2 overall record, the Tigers have now set a new standard in the SEC, achieving a record-breaking 15 Quadrant 1 wins—the most in conference history.
Following the win, Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl delivered an impassioned statement regarding his team’s performance and their aspirations for the remainder of the season. Speaking to SportsCenter, Pearl emphasized the significance of their final stretch and the potential historical impact of their accomplishments.
**”We’ve got five games left, and we’re trying to play for a championship,”** Pearl stated. **”We have an opportunity to set the record for the most Quad 1 wins in a regular season. If we finish strong, this team has the potential to be recognized as one of the greatest in college basketball’s regular season history.”**
Auburn’s remarkable campaign is backed by staggering statistics. The Tigers boast a +36.15 net rating, the highest in the country, while competing against the toughest schedule in college basketball. Their opponents have maintained an average net rating of +16.86—far superior to that of second-ranked Duke, whose opposition has averaged just +8.36.
Under Pearl’s leadership, Auburn basketball has undergone a dramatic transformation since his arrival in 2014. What was once a struggling program has now emerged as a dominant force, positioning itself among the elite in college hoops. Pearl’s success this season has also made him a leading contender for National Coach of the Year.
However, despite their dominance, Auburn’s journey remains unfinished. Expectations are sky-high, and anything short of a national championship in March would be considered a disappointment. At Neville Arena, the Tigers have been virtually unstoppable, dismantling opponents by an average margin of 23.9 points per game.
Auburn is quickly building its case as college basketball’s newest blue-blood program. To cement their place in history, the Tigers must win at least three of their remaining five games to break the NCAA record for Quad 1 wins in a single regular season. Their next challenge comes on February 22, when they return to Neville Arena for a highly anticipated matchup against Georgia.
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