CBM sparks comeback win – AuburnSports: Auburn Tigers Football & Basketball Recruiting

No. 4 Auburn was on the ropes and needed a spark. Chad Baker-Mazara shook off and treated his minor knee injury.

The senior scored 16 of his 18 points in the second half, leading the Tigers to an 83-81 victory over No. 5 Iowa State in the opening round of the Maui Invitational.

“He was unbelievable and we weren’t sure at halftime if he was going to go,” AU coach Bruce Pearl told the Auburn Network. “But he persevered. He made a huge difference for us.”

Baker-Mazara shot 4 of 7 from the floor in the second half, including 3 of 4 3-pointers, as Auburn erased a 16-point halftime deficit and scored 50 points after halftime.

The senior added three rebounds, one assist and two steals. He made all five of his free throw attempts.

He was also an important part of the AU and strengthened the defense. The Cyclones were able to maintain a shooting percentage of 31.8 percent in the second half after shooting an incredible 58.1 percent in the first half.

“They had their best run in the first half and we knew they couldn’t do better. They hit almost every shot,” Baker-Mazara said. “Either we would let them have it or we would fight back.

“The boys reacted very well and we fought.”

Auburn outscored ISU 35-27, including 21-10 in the second half. AU also scored 14 second-chance points off 10 offensive rebounds, including the game-winner with 1.2 seconds left.

Broome finished the game with 21 points and 10 rebounds.

“Man, I was just so happy that he was there in that position and had the chance to make the difference. He has an incredible instinct. I was just glad he was there to get the W for us,” Baker-Mazara said.

Auburn will face the winner of North Carolina and No. 12 Dayton in the semifinals Tuesday night at 10 p.m. CT on ESPN.