Following a tough loss to now top-ranked Arizona, Auburn bounced back and continued its recent success at State Farm Arena in its fifth appearance in Holiday Hoopsgiving, overcoming Chattanooga by a 14-point margin despite struggling in the first half.
“I am never going to sit here and be upset with a win,” head coach Steven Pearl said. “You got to be able to win all the games you're supposed to, and that was a game that we're supposed to win."
Keyshawn Hall made his presence known throughout the game as the stellar senior recorded a double-double while leading the Tigers in points, rebounds and assists. Tahaad Pettiford and Elyjah Freeman also proved to be difference makers against the Mocs, as the guards tallied 20 and 19 points, respectively.
Pearl’s squad found early success from beyond the three-point arc as deep baskets accounted for more than half of the Tigers’ points at the eight-minute mark in the first half. Pettiford and Simon Walker found themselves perfect from downtown early on, each drilling two 3s in their only couple attempts.
Auburn went on a 7-0 run to extend its lead to 13 just 12 minutes into the matchup, but the Mocs battled back with a 7-0 run of their own to cut the lead to a single possession with just under three minutes to play in the opening half.
Chattanooga was able to capitalize following sloppy offensive possessions from Pearl's unit, which has been a common trend this season, but a corner 3-pointer from Freeman at the buzzer helped build a five-point advantage for the Tigers, and Auburn entered the locker room carrying some momentum.
Chattanooga opened the second 20 minutes looking rejuvenated, as the Mocs went on a 6-0 stretch to once again cut the lead to a single point.
Following a turn of momentum, Pearl looked to contain Chattanooga’s offense and chose to implement a full-court press, successfully creating chaos, which led to increased turnovers and an extreme offensive slump as the Mocs failed to see a field-goal attempt fall for the next five minutes. The Tigers’ two forced turnovers allowed for great offensive opportunities at the other end, helping extend their lead to double digits with 12 minutes remaining.
“I think pressure does take even if you don't get turnovers,” Pearl stated. “One of the most important parts about pressing teams is that that kind of work takes their legs out as the game goes on and makes it tough for them to make shots as the game goes on. So our guys did a better job the second half of being aggressive in it and dictating it.”
Although it looked like Auburn might be able to run away with the victory after gaining a 16-point lead, the Mocs once again scored on three straight possessions to cut the lead back down to single digits, but back-to-back 3-pointers from Freeman and Pettiford helped swing momentum back in Auburn’s favor, and the Tigers appeared to settle down from there.
With just three minutes in regulation, Auburn held an eight-point advantage and was able to hold off the gritty Mocs, escaping with a win for their third straight triumph in Holiday Hoopsgiving as “Let’s go Auburn” chants echoed throughout the arena. With today’s victory Auburn now moves to 7-2 all time in State Farm Arena, living up to the name “Neville East.”
Auburn will now look to carry some momentum into its next contest as it prepares for another marquee matchup against No. 6 Purdue next Saturday.
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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
