In a significant Southeastern Conference (SEC) matchup on March 1, 2025, the No. 1 ranked Auburn Tigers secured a commanding 94-78 victory over the No. 17 Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena, marking their first win in Lexington since 1988.
Auburn’s triumph was spearheaded by junior guard Miles Kelly, who delivered a season-high 30 points, including an impressive 9-of-14 shooting from beyond the arc. His early offensive surge set the tone, with four 3-pointers in the first half, propelling the Tigers to a substantial lead.
Reflecting on his performance, Kelly expressed confidence stemming from pre-game preparations, stating, “At shootaround, I fell in love with the rims. Everything I was putting up at shootaround was going in. I knew I would get some looks early and I knocked them down.”
However, the game was not without its challenges. Auburn’s leading scorer, Johni Broome, was limited to just nine points, with only one point in the first half. Additionally, starting guard Denver Jones exited early due to an ankle injury, playing only eight minutes. These setbacks could have shifted the game’s momentum, but the Tigers’ depth proved decisive.
Freshman guard Tahaad Pettiford stepped up remarkably, logging a career-high 33 minutes and contributing 21 points along with four assists without committing a turnover. His poise under pressure was instrumental in maintaining Auburn’s offensive rhythm. Head coach Bruce Pearl lauded Pettiford’s performance, remarking, “Playing like the best freshman guard in the country. He doesn’t have a turnover against (Lamont) Butler, who’s one of the better defenders in the league.”
The Tigers’ defensive strategy also played a pivotal role. They forced 18 Kentucky turnovers, converting them into 21 points, and effectively limited the Wildcats to just four 3-pointers on 17 attempts. This defensive pressure disrupted Kentucky’s offensive flow and prevented any substantial comeback attempts.
Despite the loss, Kentucky had notable individual performances. Koby Brea led the Wildcats with 21 points, while Andrew Carr added 20 points. Amari Williams recorded a double-double with 13 points and 14 rebounds. However, the absence of third-leading scorer Jaxson Robinson, sidelined due to a wrist injury, was evident. Robinson’s injury, diagnosed as a torn sub-sheath to his ECU tendon, requires surgery and a three-month recovery period, effectively ending his season.
The Wildcats’ bench struggled to compensate, contributing only five points compared to Auburn’s 29. This disparity highlighted depth concerns for Kentucky, especially with Robinson’s extended absence.
An unexpected technical issue further marred the game for viewers. A power loss in a production truck led to a broadcast interruption midway through the second half, leaving ABC unable to restore the feed for the remainder of the game. This outage prevented many fans from witnessing Auburn’s historic win live.
In summary, Auburn’s victory was a testament to their resilience and depth. Despite potential setbacks, the Tigers capitalized on their opportunities and maintained control throughout the game. Conversely, Kentucky’s challenges, both in terms of injuries and bench production, underscore areas needing attention as they approach postseason play.
