How Chad Baker-Mazara’s clutch free-throw shooting led to an Auburn win

Auburn mens basketball went through a bit of a scare on Wednesday as the Tigers found themselves in a close game against unranked Arkansas in Neville Arena.

Auburn kept the Razorbacks at arms length in the second half after taking a six-point lead into halftime.

But the Tigers never ballooned their lead to double digits as their largest lead against Arkansas was nine.

That kept the Razorbacks within striking distance as Auburns offense struggled from the three-point line, shooting 0-for-10 in the second half from deep.

We knew this was going to be a battle because Arkansas was so good defensively and such a good rim-protecting team, and our offense left a lot to be desired tonight, Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl said.

Our execution wasn't very good.

I don't think our shot selection was great.

When you only have 11 assists and 12 turnovers, I don't think we shared it as well as we have been.

As Auburns offense struggled to get into a rhythm, the Razorbacks stayed in the game and struck with three minutes left.

A Chad Baker-Mazara turnover led to an easy Arkansas transition layup, giving the Razorbacks a one-point lead late in the game.

It was Arkansas first lead since the 6:28 mark in the first half, and the momentum was seemingly all with John Caliparis squad.

Thats when Baker-Mazara avenged his turnover and was crucial in the final moments.

The Auburn senior went on to score six of Auburns final 10 points in the last three minutes as the Tigers escaped with a home 67-60 victory.

His first two came on a tough, acrobatic layup immediately following Arkansas go-ahead bucket to flip the scoreboard back in favor of the Tigers.

"Yeah, I don't really remember the turnover.

I remember the bucket, Pearl said.

I remember he got a great drive to the basket late, turned a corner, shot it with his off hand.

I don't remember exactly what the turnover was on, whether it was forced or." There wasnt any time for Baker-Mazara to dwell on the turnover so late in the game.

It was about how he responded, and his response was what led to Auburns eventual victory.

After the layup, Baker-Mazara added four more points from the free-throw line.

Coach really emphasizes a lot that whenever you make a mistake, or if you do something good, it's the next play, Baker-Mazara said.

I can't let one play determine the next couple of plays that I have.

I just wiped it off and moved on to the next play.

Baker-Mazara finished the game with 15 points and three rebounds while shooting 6-for-6 from the free-throw line off the bench.

It was Baker-Mazaras third straight game off the bench as Pearl said prior to Auburns game against Vanderbilt last week that the senior was really banged up." However, Baker-Mazaras minutes, even off the bench, have not decreased.

He was held scoreless against Vanderbilt, but off the bench against Alabama and Arkansas, Baker-Mazara scored 15 in each game.

I mean, the role hasn't changed, he said.

I feel like I have to come out there and perform at a high level, whether I'm in the starting five or off the bench.

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