No. 22 Auburn put up a strong fight against No. 1 Houston but fell 73-72 in a thrilling matchup at Birmingham's Legacy Arena. Auburn, which trailed by seven points with under three minutes left, executed a late rally that included forcing turnovers but ultimately couldn't convert opportunities in the final seconds. Coach Steven Pearl praised the fans for creating a vibrant environment and noted that missed free throws were a pivotal factor in the loss. Keyshawn Hall led the Tigers with 20 points and 11 rebounds, while Tahaad Pettiford contributed 15 points but saw a potential game-winner blocked as time expired.

By the Numbers
  • Auburn missed 12 free throws, which Pearl called the "difference in the game."
  • Hall’s 20 points marked his fourth consecutive 20-point game to start the season.
State of Play
  • Auburn is now 3-1 for the season, having used four different starting lineups in as many games.
  • The attendance for the game was 15,623, showcasing strong fan support.
What's Next

Auburn will host Jackson State in their next game on Wednesday at 8 p.m. CT, looking to bounce back and improve upon their close loss against Houston.

Bottom Line

Auburn’s performance showcased resilience and potential, but they must improve their free throw shooting to secure future wins. Building on this experience can elevate their competitive edge as they head deeper into the season.