In a last-minute thriller, the Auburn Tigers overcame the Kentucky Wildcats 75-74 to snap a five-game losing streak after trailing the majority of the game.
“Our fanbase, whether we deserve it or not, they are unbelievable,” Auburn coach Steven Pearl said. “Big win for our team. Felt like that was one we had to get. Our guys did a good job of battling the highs and lows of that game and continuing to fight. We’ve got to do a better job of finishing games. Our guys hung in there, and Elyjah (Freeman) makes a big play late.”
Neville Arena was a sight to behold when Freeman crashed the glass on a missed KeShawn Murphy layup to tip in the winning shot with 1.2 seconds left on the clock. The tip-in was the proverbial cherry on top for Freeman’s night, where he contributed 11 points in 27 minutes.
“My mindset was go to the glass and whatever comes off, make a play,” said Freeman. “It ended up falling over, and something good happened.”
Freeman has the second-most points for the Tigers tonight, outdone only by Murphy, who scored a career-high 25 points, as well as adding 10 rebounds and two blocks. Murphy’s electric performance was topped off by a clutch three-pointer to put Auburn ahead 71-68 with only 1:47 left to play.
“I was really confident, and I’ve made that shot before,” Murphy said. “I practice it so much that it felt like another rep to me. When I’m that open, I’ll probably shoot it again. I’m just glad I made it to go up three and get the win.”
Murphy is coming off a struggle-filled performance against Mississippi State a few days ago, only posting seven points and going 1-for-7 from the field. Tonight’s 9-for-14 show
“He had a lot of step-up tonight,” said Pearl. “He was disappointed in how he played against Mississippi State, and he followed it up with an incredible effort tonight.”
Freeman and Murphy were joined in double-digit point territory by Keyshawn Hall and Kevin Overton, who both chipped in 10 points apiece. Overton also drew the offensive foul on Kentucky that gave Auburn the ball back with 14 seconds left.
This home win for Auburn will put them at 6-8 in SEC play with four games left to play before the SEC tournament in mid-March. A win over a higher-seeded conference opponent boosts team and fan morale, and gives the Tigers a better shot at clawing their way to the top.
“Huge win for us, but it means nothing if we don’t prepare for Oklahoma with the same desperation that we prepared for tonight,” Pearl said.
Auburn suits up and heads to Norman to play the Oklahoma Sooners on February 24 at 8:00 pm CST. The game will be available to stream on ESPN.
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Jackie is a senior majoring in Psychology. She started with The Plainsman in fall 2024.
You can follow her on X (Twitter) at @jackie_domingun
