Auburn did not make a field goal for more than three minutes at the end of its battle Wednesday night against Ole Miss at Neville Arena. But sticking to the theme of the night, the Tigers did enough from the free throw line down the stretch to hold off any late comeback attempt from the visitors.
Wendell Green Jr. made all six of his free throw attempts in the final 30 seconds, helping Auburn hold on for a 78-74 victory. The Tigers finished 22-of-24 from the free throws, making all 11 of their attempts during the second half. It was Auburn's first win determined by single digits since Jan. 14.
Auburn (19-9, 9-6 SEC) has won two of its last three games, both wins coming at home. The Tigers had lost six of its last eight games entering Wednesday night, attempting less free throws than their opponents in four of those six losses.
Green led the Tigers with 23 points, shooting 11-of-12 from the line. He also contributed four assists and a pair of steals in 33 minutes.
Johni Broome finished with 19 points, eight rebounds and six blocks. Jaylin Williams added 12 points while Allen Flanigan scored 11 points.
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As a team, Auburn shot 48.1 percent from the floor but made just 6-of-17 attempts from beyond the arc. The Tigers finished with 15 assists and 12 turnovers.
Ole Miss (10-18, 2-13) has lost four straight games. The Rebels were led by Matthew Murrell who scored 23 points while James White added 13 points off the bench.
Auburn will hit the road for its next two games, traveling to Lexington this Saturday to play at Kentucky.