No. 5 Auburn holds off Mississippi State in OT

Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

K.D. Johnson scored 12 of his 14 points in overtime, Jabari Smith had 27 points overall and No. 5 Auburn held off Mississippi State 81-68 in overtime Wednesday night.

With the win, the Tigers (26-4, 14-3 Southeastern Conference) clinched at least a share of the SEC regular-season championship. It marks the fourth SEC title for Auburn and the program’s first since the 2017-18 season.

"It means so much to us because this league is so good," Auburn coach Bruce Pearl said. "You know, there are about seven or eight teams that could have won this thing. The fact that Auburn put itself in this position is just incredible."

Smith tied the game at 61 in the final minute of regulation, but missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer. But Johnson scored the first 10 points of overtime to help the Tigers pull away.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Mississippi State guard Cam Carter (5) is fouled by Auburn forward Walker Kessler (13) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Starkville, Miss., Wednesday, March. 2, 2022. Auburn won in overtime 81-68. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Smith also finished with 10 rebounds for the Tigers and was 9 of 13 from the field. Zep Jasper also added 11 points for Auburn and was 3 of 4 from 3-point range.

"(Smith) is one of the great competitors I’ve ever coached," Pearl said. "You could look at his jump shot and you can look at all the other things about him. But that is one competitive talent. He wants the ball, he’s not afraid of the moment and I’m gonna just trust him."

Tolu Smith had 22 points and 12 rebounds, and Iverson Molinar had 14 points and five assists for Mississippi State (17-13,