After 240 long days, Auburn basketball returned home to Neville Arena, but this time with an entirely new look. In an evening that was supposed to be a comfortable season opener to commence the 120th season of Auburn basketball and the start of the Steven Pearl era, the Tigers instead found themselves in a nerve-racking clash. Auburn overcame a shaky performance to win in overtime, defeating Bethune-Cookman 95-90 in front of an electric, rowdy crowd.
“(The win was) a little bittersweet, just because I would have liked for us to have played better. We didn't play great,” Pearl said. "I'm thrilled that we found a way to get the win, but my mind is immediately going to all the film I'm going to be watching tonight and just trying to find ways to get better.”
Keyshawn Murphy and Keyshawn Hall led the Tigers in the box score, as Hall scored 28 points while Murphy drilled eight baskets and locked down the paint on defense.
“I’m excited to be a part of his (Pearl’s) legacy. I’m excited to play in Neville Arena,” Murphy exclaimed. “Man, hats off to Coach Pearl. Many more wins to come, many more things to learn, and War Eagle, man.”
Tonight’s contest looked incredibly sloppy early on between both teams, as poor shooting and an abundance of turnovers seemed to be the storyline after tip-off. Each team found itself below 40% shooting near the midway point of the first half, as scoring in the paint was the only way the ball seemed to fall.
Keyshawn Murphy and Sebastian Williams-Adams made their presence known early in tonight’s game, as both first-time Tigers were responsible for half a dozen points by the four-minute mark.
While Auburn went on a 7-0 run to overcome a minor deficit and take a five-point lead near the end of the half, disappointing offense and missed opportunities led to just a one-point lead going into halftime.
Both teams remained challenged by turnovers at the break, combining for 11 total that led to 13 points for their opponents.
The Tigers played aggressively in the first half, getting to the free-throw line 16 times. However, Auburn converted only seven shots for a disappointing 44% from the line, much to the crowd’s dismay.
Murphy picked up right where he left off in the first half, opening the scoring in the final 20 minutes with a short jumper, followed by a steal and a pass that led to a basket at the other end.
It seemed like the offense could get off to a scorching start to try to pull away from the gritty Wildcats, but both teams traded baskets possession after possession, creating a deadlock with 13 minutes to play.
A crucial 8-0 run capped by a bold dunk from Elyjah Freeman rejuvenated the Jungle and forced Bethune-Cookman to call a timeout.
“For him (Freeman) to be able to pick his head up and go out there and make some really big plays late, that’s something that we can work with,” Pearl said. “Obviously very proud of him for bouncing back so quick.”
Following the break, the Wildcats were able to string together a 7-0 run to take the life out of Neville Arena once again.
Pearl’s squad led by just one point with three minutes to play, but a clutch three-pointer from Seneca Willoughby put the Wildcats up by two heading into the final 120 seconds.
A layup from Williams-Adams and a steal that led to another basket from Kevin Overton put Auburn back in front, giving Bethune-Cookman one final chance to force the game into overtime with just seconds remaining.
Arterio Morris attempted a halfcourt heave with the game on the line, which fell short, but a shooting foul by Freeman sent Morris to the free-throw line to attempt to tie the game.
Morris made all three shots in front of an unruly crowd, and the No. 20 Auburn Tigers entered overtime against Bethune-Cookman, although fans were far from thrilled with the free throws.
Auburn quickly retook the lead in overtime through baskets in the paint, but the Wildcats still would not go down without a fight, cutting their deficit to two points nearing the final minute. Tahaad Pettiford was able to convert on a clutch and-1 basket, extending the home team’s lead to five, and the Tigers were able to hold off the resilient Bethune-Cookman squad, winning by just two baskets.
“We got into overtime, and I literally looked at the guys. I said, we get to play free basketball,” Pearl reasoned. “And lean into those moments and find and use them as opportunities just to grow and to learn from one another. So an unbelievable journey, obviously, to get to this point, and just incredibly proud that we were able to find a way to win”
For Auburn faithful that may be worried after tonight’s shocking contest, the new head coach had one message which was clear.
“The fans came out tonight and just really supported in big numbers," Pearl said. "I thought it really gave our guys the courage to find a way to step up and make plays. So, I know Auburn fans are tired of being told to be patient, so we're going to get to work.”
The Tigers will look to improve in their next game as Auburn will face Merrimack at home on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. CST on SECN+
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Will is a sophomore majoring in journalism. He started with The Plainsman in the spring of 2025.
You can follow him on X (Twitter) at @willdembo
