AUBURN | On offense, defense and anywhere in-between, Chad Baker-Mazara has a positive impact for Auburn nearly every game.

The senior was at it again Saturday afternoon in the SEC opener, scoring 13 points on 3 of 4 shooting in the 2nd-ranked Tigers 84-68 win over Missouri at Neville Arena.

Auburn improves to 13-1 overall and 1-0 in the conference.

“Chad Baker is one of our best players, pure and simple, and so when we play the best teams in our schedule, Chad will do more,” said AU coach Bruce Pearl. “He'll have to do more. We'll need him to do more.

“But even in a game when he takes four shots, takes four shots, makes three of them, but affects the game in so many other ways. He'll be there when we need him.”

Baker-Mazara made 2 of 3 3-pointers including a step-back that helped bury Missouri with a 12-1 run to being the second half. He added three rebounds, two assists and three steals in 25 minutes. He tied Denver Jones with a team-best +17.

Baker-Mazara was also 5 of 5 from the line to extend his AU record to 44 consecutive made free throws.

“It's just a testament to how deep this team is,” said senior Chaney Johnson, who also had 13 points along with seven rebounds.

“Chad is a guy that can give you anything you need. If you need assists, he's gonna do that. If you need points, he's gonna do that. If you need a dog, he's gonna do that as well. He's a wonderful guy to be around and a heck of a player.”

Pearl credited Baker-Mazara’s father, Derrek Baker, who played at South Carolina State from 1984-85, and was a player and coach overseas, in helping his son step up his play this season.

"Derrek Baker, who was a terrific pro himself, and as a coach, he's coached basketball - last job was in the Dominican,” said Pearl. “He's taking some time off to spend some time here in Auburn with his son. So he's putting his life on hold just to support his son. I think it's beautiful. I think it's a wonderful thing. Chad's a beneficiary of it.”

Auburn returns to action Tuesday night at Texas. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. CT on ESPN2.