The Auburn Tigers know there is a target on their backs in SEC play as they sit atop the conference standings. That means playing to a high standard every night out, which head coach Bruce Pearl knows is a unique challenge.

Fresh off a newly-minted No. 1 ranking, Auburn men's basketball made another statement in a season chock-full of them. The Tigers obliterated Mississippi State 88-66 at home without superstar big man Johni Broome.

With Johni Broome sidelined with an ankle injury, the Tigers defensive prowess stole the show in the victory over Mississippi State.

Auburn basketball head coach Bruce Pearl loved what he saw in the dominant win against Mississippi State on Monday.

Here's everything Auburn basketball coach Bruce Pearl and the Tigers said about being the consensus No. 1 team in the nation.

Bruce Pearl has done it: win number 214. It was not easy, but with a hard fought 86 -82 road victory over Texas he has cemented his legacy as the winningest coach in Auburn basketball history. It’s not just a milestone;

With Auburn basketball's win over Texas on Tuesday, Bruce Pearl became the winningest coach in program's history, amassing 214 wins in 11 seasons.

Several key people were in attendance to watch Pearl’s record-setting win including athletic director John Cohen and Auburn University president Dr. Chris Roberts. Current players dumped water on him to celebrate, and former players filmed videos of themselves congratulating him on accomplishing the feat.