Never in the history of the Southeastern Conference had there been a No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup in men’s basketball until No. 1 Auburn went into Tuscaloosa on Saturday and defeated archrival Alabama. The Tigers’ 94-85 victory gave them sole possession of first place in the conference and kept them at the top of Monday’s Associated Press poll.
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“I think the thing I’m proudest of is that all eyes of college basketball were on the state of Alabama and the SEC,” head coach Bruce Pearl said after the game. “What this conference has done in men’s basketball is historic. You never know whether or not a game can live up to the hype. We were very prepared. Coaches did a great job with the game plan.”
Had some fun yesterday ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/u9dF4lkRnN
— Auburn Basketball (@AuburnMBB) February 16, 2025
National player of the year candidate Johni Broome led the way for Auburn (23-2) with a game-high 19 points, 14 rebounds, six assists and two blocks. Five other players reached double figures, and the Tigers connected on 12 of their 30 3-point attempts. The win was Auburn’s fourth in six games against teams currently ranked in the top 10 of the AP poll.
In rising to the top of men’s college basketball, many within the Auburn program have publicly shared about their faith in God. And it’s evident in how the team celebrates big shots.
At one of Auburn’s practices earlier this season, senior center Dylan Cardwell noticed a group of players including Broome, fellow big man Miles Kelly, and star freshman guard Tahaad Pettiford mimicking a phone call with their hand. Cardwell was confused.
It all started with a student assistant named Caleb Jones. While some players were lifting weights one day, Jones walked into the room, said ‘call God,” and walked out. Just like that, a signature celebration was born.
“Everybody started catching on,” Pettiford told the Montgomery Advertiser. “We started doing it in practice, and it was just something that we felt like you don’t really see a lot of people doing it. It was something we could start, and we just went on from there.”
While the celebration has become a fun way for the players to connect with each other, it is also a testament to the strong foundation of faith within the program.
“Everybody on this team is revolved around God and having a relationship with God,” Kelly told 247 Sports. “So that’s a big part of why everybody is doing it.”
In 2022, Coach Pearl took the team on a preseason trip to the Middle East, where some players were baptized in the Jordan River just like Jesus was. Cardwell even wrote a blog describing the team’s experience.
That wasn’t the only overseas trip for Cardwell. On the broadcast of the Tigers’ Feb. 11 win at Vanderbilt, his recent mission trips to El Salvador and Honduras were highlighted. Cardwell posted a video of the segment on social media and gave thanks to God.
“And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please the Lord.”
Hebrews 13:16 NLTAll Glory to God! Thank you @secnetwork for giving me the platform to spread the gospel of Christ Jesus who saves! #jesus #jesusislord #jesusisking pic.twitter.com/5uDyAa6mbT
— Dylan Cardwell (@Dylanupnext__) February 12, 2025
For Cardwell, the “call God” celebration is a chance for the Tigers to turn the focus away from themselves and place it back on the Lord.
“It’s unique to see guys use their platform to glorify God, especially just a small gesture like that,” he said. “… I’m just grateful for the opportunity to put that message forward, rather than harp on our own successes.”
Broome, one of the top players in the country, wore a “Product of Christ” sweatshirt while sidelined with an ankle injury last month. He believes the common bond the players have found through their relationships with God has been vital to building chemistry.
“I’d just say it’s the connection we have, the brotherhood, our faith,” he said. “We have Bible study and things like that. That’s just a way for everybody to open up. That’s how we build our foundation, our brotherhood. That’s something that’s unmatched.”
Auburn returns to action Wednesday night when it hosts Arkansas. The game tips off at 9 p.m. ET.
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