No. 2 Auburn makes case for No. 1 ranking with dominant win over No. 16 Purdue

It was an efficient night shooting the ball for the Tigers as Auburn was 54.5 percent overall and 10-for-26 (38.5 percent) from three-point range. The Tigers shared the ball effectively with 24 assists and handled Purdue in the paint, 44-28.

Despite injuring his shoulder in Auburn's win over Georgia State on Tuesday, Johni Broome (23 points, 10-for-15 FG, 11 rebounds) recorded his eighth game with at least 20 points this season. Denver Jones gave the Tigers 15 points and four assists, while Tahaad Pettiford added 18 points and five assists off the bench. As long as Broome keeps playing at that level and gets consistent production around him, Auburn looks dangerous and continues to make a case for the No. 1 ranking.

While Jahki Howard only had six points, this lob from Chaney Johnson to Howard extended Auburn's lead to 66-37 with 9:36 remaining.

This emphatic dunk from Pettiford with 6:09 left to play gave Auburn a 74-43 lead.

It was a rough shooting night for the Boilermakers (39 percent). Purdue's leading scorer, C.J. Cox, had 16 points. Braden Smith's two three-pointers were the only two shots Purdue starters made in 13 attempts from long range.

Purdue is going to have to find some answers after back-to-back losses in which the team did not record 70 points. 

Purdue (8-4) will try to right the ship with a return home to face Toledo on Dec. 29. 

Auburn (11-1) takes on Monmouth on Dec. 30 before opening up SEC play against Missouri on Jan. 4.