No. 13 Auburn falls to No. 22 Kentucky, ending 16-game home win streak

AUBURN, Alabama The Tigers’ 16-game home winning streak came to an end on Saturday at Neville Arena as No. 13 Auburn lost 70-59 to No. 22 Kentucky, despite Johni Broome recording his tenth double-double.

When necessary, Kentucky has the ability to play aggressively and guard. Bruce Pearl, the Auburn coach, stated, “They outplayed us.” “They average 90, but we restricted them to 70. Despite our best efforts and certain defensive plays, we were disturbed by their ball pressure.

“While I’m disappointed in the outcome, when you get outplayed, when somebody plays better than you, my hat’s off to them.”

In addition to scoring 14, Broome pulled down 11 rebounds. Chad Baker-Mazara was 9 of 9 from the free-throw line while scoring 14 points. Denver Jones scored twelve more points.

With 13:10 remaining, Auburn, trailing 39-29 at the half, increased its defensive pressure, forcing turnovers and scoring in transition during a 6-0 run that enthralled the home crowd and brought Auburn within five points.

Following a steal of a Wildcat in transition, Jaylin Williams blocked a shot before Baker-Mazara drove the baseline and scored. After a steal and a layup by K.D. Johnson, Broome scored on a putback to cut Kentucky’s advantage to 47-42

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After a stop, Auburn had an opportunity to get closer but missed a three-point shot. The Tigers shot just 1 of 10 three-pointers in the second half and finished the game 4 for 22, or 18.2 percent of the field.

To lead the Tigers, Jones made 3 of 7 3-pointers. “We were getting the shots we wanted but it was one of those nights where our outside shots weren’t falling,” Jones said. “It’s annoying when shots don’t fall, but you still have to return and continue playing de

With 11:53 remaining, Aden Holloway’s layup brought Kentucky’s advantage to 49-44, but the Tigers were unable to come any closer.

With 2:59 left, Auburn managed to close the deficit to eight points after trailing by 16 with 6:05 to go. However, the Wildcats’ double-digit lead was regained when a slam sealed the victory.

Although Auburn outrebounded Kentucky 14–10 in offensive rebounds, the Wildcats were more shrewd, scoring 20–10 more points on second chances.

Auburn fell behind early and often in the first half, allowing Kentucky to take advantage of six Tiger mistakes for 15 points.

Pearl remarked, “I thought we could’ve gotten better looks.” Kentucky’s length and ball pressure caused us to be interrupted. Guards from Kentucky can defeat anyone if they are like this.”

With seven points in the first half, Baker-Mazara led Auburn, and Jones added two three-pointers.

For Kentucky (18-7, 8-4), Antonio Reeves scored a game-high 22 points.