A steady second-half comeback fell short, as Auburn couldn't survive a double-overtime thriller on the road at Arkansas Wednesday, Jan. 16, losing 88-80, and giving Auburn its first conference loss of the season.
Auburn (8-8, 2-1 SEC) received great performances from its seniors. Guard Frankie Sullivan scored 26 points and pulled down a career-high nine rebounds. Center Rob Chubb scored 12 points and grabbed 11 boards, good for his second consecutive double-double, before fouling out with 1:11 left in the second overtime.
Arkansas went on a 17-0 run that spanned six minutes of play in the first half. Auburn answered with an 8-0 run of its own and went into halftime trailing 34-27.
Down 67-64 with less than a minute to play in the second half, Auburn guard Noel Johnson pulled down an offensive rebound off a failed three-point attempt. He hurried the ball out beyond the three-point line and found forward Allen Payne, who connected for the game-tying three with five seconds left to send the game into overtime.
But the Tigers had trouble containing Arkansas' Marshawn Powell, who scored a game-high 28 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, and BJ Young, who chipped in with 22 points.
With 1:11 remaining in the second overtime, Young drove to the basket and drew a foul on Chubb, who fouled out. Young hit both free throws to put the Razorbacks up 81-77.
Sullivan, who scored 23 of his 26 points after halftime, drew a blocking foul on Arkansas guard Mardracus Wade. Sullivan made one of two free throws to bring the Tigers within three.
On Arkansas' next possession, with 27 seconds remaining, BJ Young hit a three-pointer over the outstretched arm of Noel Johnson to put the game out of reach at 84-78. Arkansas went on to win 88-80.
Auburn plays Kentucky Saturday, Jan. 19 at 8 p.m. Auburn announced the game is sold out, the first time the Tigers have sold out Auburn Arena since Kentucky visited last season.
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