COLUMBIA, Mo. — K.D. Johnson scored 17 points, including five straight within the final 90 seconds, and No. 1 Auburn survived a scare from Missouri, winning 55-54 on Tuesday night in the program’s first-ever game as the nation’s top-ranked team.
Johnson converted a three-point play with 1:29 remaining to put Auburn ahead 53-51, added a layup with 45 seconds left for a four-point advantage and the Tigers (19-1, 8-0 Southeastern Conference) held on from there.
Javon Pickett led Missouri (8-11, 2-5) with 17 points, and Jarron Coleman added 10 in challenging the deeper, more skilled Tigers.
Missouri got off to a roaring start, opening a 10-point lead in the first six minutes while Auburn missed 10 of its first 11 shots. Auburn star freshman Jabari Smith — a potential top pick in this year’s NBA draft — scored three points in the first half as the teams went into halftime tied at 31.
Auburn won the rebounding battle, 49-37, 26 of which came on the offensive side of the ball.