Auburn Tigers Face Uncertainty Over Key Guard Ahead of Texas A&M Clash
The top-ranked Auburn Tigers are gearing up for a crucial SEC showdown against the No. 22 Texas A&M Aggies, but they may have to do so without one of their most important players. Starting point guard Denver Jones is currently listed as questionable for the highly anticipated matchup, leaving the Tigers facing some uncertainty as they head into their final road game of the regular season.
Jones sustained an ankle injury during Auburn’s recent victory over Kentucky, a game in which the Tigers dominated from start to finish. Unfortunately, Jones’s night was cut short, as he exited after just eight minutes of play. Initial reports suggested the injury might be a bone bruise, sparking concern about his availability moving forward. However, Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl later clarified that the injury is instead a soft-tissue issue — a diagnosis that provides some hope for a quicker recovery but still leaves his status in doubt.
“We’re taking it day by day,” Pearl said in a press conference on Monday. “Denver’s working hard with our medical staff, and we’re optimistic, but we’re also going to be careful. We won’t rush him back if he’s not ready.”
Jones has been a crucial piece of the Tigers’ success this season, bringing consistency and leadership on the court. The junior guard is averaging 10.7 points, 2.4 assists, and 2.0 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 44.1% from the field and 43.1% from three-point range. His ability to facilitate the offense and knock down key shots has been a cornerstone of Auburn’s stellar 27-2 record and 15-1 mark in conference play.
With the SEC Tournament on the horizon and Auburn eyeing a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, the coaching staff may prioritize Jones’s long-term health over the immediate stakes of Tuesday’s matchup. Still, his absence would undoubtedly be felt against a tough Texas A&M team looking to solidify its own tournament credentials.
If Jones is unable to suit up, freshman guard Taahad Pettiford is expected to take on a more prominent role. Pettiford has shown flashes of brilliance this season and stepped up in a big way against Kentucky after Jones went down. In that game, Pettiford logged a season-high 33 minutes, scoring 21 points while dishing out four assists and committing no turnovers — a poised and mature performance from the young guard.
“Taahad’s growth this season has been incredible,” Pearl noted. “He’s ready for this kind of moment. We’re confident in his ability to lead the team if Denver isn’t able to go.”
The matchup against the Aggies, set for 9 p.m. ET in College Station, Texas, is critical for both teams. Auburn is hoping to finish the regular season strong and maintain its momentum heading into the postseason. Texas A&M, meanwhile, is looking to bolster its NCAA Tournament resume with a statement win over the nation’s top team.
Whether or not Jones takes the court on Tuesday, Auburn’s depth and resilience will be put to the test. With Pettiford prepared to step up and the Tigers’ eyes fixed on championship aspirations, this game promises to be a hard-fought battle with plenty at stake.
