Auburn's basketball team suffered a narrow defeat in an exhibition match against Oklahoma State, with the final score being 97-95 in overtime. The game was a thrilling display of skill and determination, with both teams showcasing their potential. Despite a strong performance, Auburn faced challenges, particularly in their shooting accuracy, finishing with a 36% field goal percentage and 30% from beyond the arc. The Tigers' struggles were further exacerbated by a rough night from the free-throw line, with a 64% success rate.
The match took a turn for the worse when KeShawn Murphy, a Mississippi State transfer, had to be helped off the court due to an injury. Murphy slipped on the court while attempting to assist a teammate, causing visible pain and forcing him to leave the game. The medical staff assessed him, and he was later seen sitting on the bench with his teammates, wearing a knee brace, and even participating in a huddle.
Auburn's offense struggled throughout the game, with the team starting 3-of-16 from the field. Steven Pearl, the head coach, called a timeout after Oklahoma State took an early lead of 23-12. The Tigers' defense also faced challenges, as Oklahoma State consistently attacked the lane and scored 12 of their first 16 points in the paint. The Cowboys' shooting accuracy was impressive, with a 53% success rate on 2-point baskets and a plus-9 rebound margin.
Auburn's young players stepped up in the second half, with Kaden Magwood and Elyjah Freeman delivering crucial triples. However, the team's inability to string together defensive stops proved costly. The Tigers' offense took a hit when both Hall and Pettiford picked up their fourth fouls, forcing them to exit the game before the under-8 timeout of the second half. Despite the challenges, Auburn showed resilience, tying the game at 85-85 with the free throw, thanks to Hall's 9 consecutive points at the end of regulation.
In overtime, Oklahoma State took control, scoring 5 quick points, while Auburn struggled to score. The Tigers' offense relied heavily on Hall's scoring, with the UCF transfer landing another and-one, bringing it to a 2-point game with two minutes left. Sebastian Williams-Adams played a crucial role in defending Roy, and Kevin Overton tied the game at 92-92. However, Oklahoma State's Jaylen Curry scored again, and Auburn took a timeout with 2.5 seconds left, trailing 97-95. The Tigers opted to go for the tie, but Elyjah Freeman missed driving to the rim, resulting in a final score of 97-95 in favor of Oklahoma State.
Despite the loss, Auburn is expected to have a potent offense this season, with Hall and Pettiford leading the charge. The team will continue to work on their shooting accuracy and defensive strategies as they prepare for their upcoming games.
