Auburn erased four different 8-point deficits and showed tremendous fight, but 12 missed free throws ultimately decided the 73-72 heartbreaker.
came just one possession short from knocking off the No. 1 team in the country in the Houston Cougars after falling 73-72 Sunday afternoon in Birmingham. Despite ending the game on a 6-0 run, the Tigers could not convert on their final offensive play to win the game.
Auburn coach Steven Pearl identified what made the difference. “We missed 12 free throws. That’s the difference in the game right there,” Pearl said postgame. “If we go ahead and make our free throws, it’s a different ball game. I just thought we had too many live ball turnovers that led to transition. You know, I think if we make our free throws, it’s a different ball game.”Auburn committed eight turnovers while Houston had 10. However, the Cougars scored 13 points off the Tigers turnovers and tied with the Tigers 12 points in transition. Auburn trailed for most of the contest, leading for only 4:12 minutes. But the Cougars largest lead of the game was just eight points, as the Tigers shot 64% from the free throw line and missed eight free throws in the second half alone. Houston also led the game in points in the paint and rebounds. However, Auburn’s scoring leaders delivered with Keyshawn Hall and Tahaad Pettiford combining for 35 points. “One of the things we talked about in the scout, and I really tried to emphasize this, is whether you’re up eight or you’re down eight, you can’t panic against these guys,” Pearl said. “I think my guys did a good job of hearing that message, and they didn’t panic. There was no panic in that locker room. It was more of them just talking to each other and just trying to get on to the next play.” “So yeah, to be able to come back from a seven- to eight-point deficit four different times, just shows that these guys trust each other and are connected.” Auburn will host Jackson State Wednesday night before traveling to Las Vegas for the Players Era tournament. Pearl added how Sunday’s loss to Houston only lit the fuse for what’s to come from Auburn basketball the rest of the season. “But from here, what do we do next? Are we going to pout about this or are we going to get together on Monday and be ready to get better. One win doesn’t define a season. This is why you play these games,” Pearl said. “We learned a lot about ourselves. We learned that we have a chance to be pretty good,” Pearl added. “If we continue to do the things that I know we’re capable of, and they know that they’re capable of, and just continue to build and trust each other, we’ll be okay.”Jerry Humphrey III is an Auburn Sports Beat Writer for AL.com since Oct. 2024, covering football, basketball and all things Auburn sports. Prior to joining the sports staff at AL.com, Jerry spent time at...If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our
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