One win away from a share of a SEC regular season title, No. 1 Auburn makes the trip to a house of horrors for the program in Rupp Arena. The Tigers post a 2-51 record in Lexington, KY with the last victory coming in 1988. But could the top-ranked Tigers pull off another historic feat this season?
Here's what some of our sports staff has to say about the clash between the Tigers and Wildcats, complete with score predictions and analysis.
Patrick Bingham, Sports Editor: Auburn 89-88
"This is probably over correcting from my Alabama pick which was based on Auburn never winning in that building. At the end of the day, basketball is a game of matchups and I like the Tigers' today with the Wildcats."
Logan Fowler, Sports Reporter: Auburn 85-80
"Obviously, the biggest storyline for Auburn in this one is if it can pick up its first win inside Rupp Arena in 37 years while clinching at least a share of the regular-season SEC title. For the Tigers, playing through Johni Broome, continuing to shoot at a 45.5% clip from the field on the road and limiting the Wildcats' opportunities from 3-point land is the focal point on Saturday. Do that, and history will be made. "
Rory Garvin, Sports Writer: Auburn 88-80
"One of Auburn basketball’s mottos during the 2024-2025 season has been “Make History.” The Tigers will have the chance to do just that Saturday afternoon when they take on the No. 17 Kentucky Wildcats in Lexington, KY. I believe that Auburn’s experienced guard play will be able to overpower Kentucky and lead the Tigers to their first victory in Rupp Arena since January 9, 1988.
"This will be a back-and-forth affair in a raucous environment. One key to this marquee matchup will be Auburn’s ability to shoot the three ball and quiet the sold-out crowd. This plays right into Auburn’s cards as they are shooting the lights out on the road at 40.1% from three on the year. Denver Jones and Miles Kelly are Auburn’s most productive shooters from behind the arc (minimum 22 attempts), shooting 43.4% and 39% on the season respectively.
“I can’t wait to go in there, execute the game plan and keep making history with this team.", Jones said.
"The Tigers will once again make history and clinch a share of the SEC title."
Gunner Norene, Sports Writer: Auburn 83-77
"Auburn hasn't won in Lexington in 37 years, holding only two wins ever at Rupp. The Tigers' last victory at Kentucky boasted a 53-52 final score, but Saturday's matchup will be completely different. Auburn owns the best offense in the history of the KenPom era while the Wildcats rank sixth nationally in offensive efficiency. Kentucky and Auburn sit at third and fourth in the country in points per game with 85.6 and 85.1, respectively, so this has the potential to be a fast-paced shootout.
"However, we've seen how elite Auburn's defense is time after time -- and it travels. Along with Denver Jones, I think guys like Miles Kelly, Johni Broome and Chaney Johnson are in prime position to have an impactful performance. Oh yeah, and don't write off 'Big Game Tahaad.'
"This team is just different. If there's any team to break the painfully long losing streak, this is the one. I'm going Tigers 83-77, picking up another historic win and clinching a share of the SEC title."
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