Jabari Smith, No. 1 Auburn pull away from Oklahoma

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Jabari Smith and Auburn made much easier work of their second game as the nation's top-ranked team.

Smith bounced back from a rough shooting night with 23 points and 12 rebounds and Walker Kessler scored 21 to lead No. 1 Auburn to an 86-68 victory over Oklahoma on Saturday.

"Knowing how we played against Missouri, we were just ready to bounce back," Smith said.

The Tigers (20-1) built a big lead, lost most of it and then dominated the final minutes for their nation-leading 17th consecutive win. The Sooners (13-8) visited as part of the Big 12/SEC Challenge.

"We had an advantage in the front line and we took advantage of our advantage," said Auburn coach Bruce Pearl, who agreed to a new contract on the eve of the game. "Jabari Smith and Walker Kessler were dominant in there, and that was really a key."

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Oklahoma guard Marvin Johnson (5) puts up a shot as Auburn forward Jabari Smith (10) defends during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022, in Auburn, Ala. Auburn beat Oklahoma 86-68. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Smith was just 2-of-15 shooting for five points in a 55-54 win over Missouri Tuesday. The freshman, a potential No. 1 overall draft pick, and Kessler took over this one. Afterward, Pearl said it's "the best front-court I’ve ever coached."

The 7-foot-1 Kessler was 9 of 11 from the floor, grabbed nine rebounds and blocked four shots. He also hit his fourth and fifth 3-pointers of the season.

"They never told me not to shoot. They told me to shoot every time," Kessler said. "As a shooter and as a player, it helps you a lot, puts confidence in you. You’re bound