Barnin’ in Boutwell: The Steven Pearl Era Tips Off Tonight in the Iron City
The Steven Pearl era officially gets its first test tonight as No. 20 Auburn takes on Oklahoma State in the annual “Ballin’ in Boutwell” exhibition at Boutwell Auditorium in Birmingham. It’s the unofficial start of a new chapter for Auburn basketball — and the first public look at a team loaded with new faces, new energy, and a new head coach leading the charge.
Game Details
- Matchup: #20 Auburn (Exhibition) vs. Oklahoma State (Exhibition)
- Date: Wednesday, October 15, 2025
- Time: 8:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. CT
- Venue: Boutwell Auditorium — Birmingham, AL
- Watch: Stream live on YouTube.com/@HibbettOfficial
The Steven Pearl Debut
The headline is obvious: it’s Steven Pearl’s first game at the helm following his father Bruce Pearl’s retirement in September. After more than a decade alongside his dad, the younger Pearl gets his turn — and this exhibition is his first live test to see how his system and rotations hold up against outside competition.
Steven has made it clear he wants Auburn to play even faster than before — with the same hard-nosed defense that defined his father’s run. Expect to see heavy rotation tonight, different lineups, and a focus on which players can keep the pace without losing discipline.
A New Roster, A New Identity
Auburn lost five starters from its Final Four team, which means this game is less about the scoreboard and more about chemistry.
- The Returning Star:Sophomore guard Tahaad Pettiford, a preseason All-SEC First Team pick, is the clear leader. He’s explosive, poised, and will run the show from the point. How comfortable he looks commanding the offense will be one of the main takeaways from tonight.
- Transfer Impact:This is the first real look at Auburn’s high-profile transfers, each expected to play major minutes this season:
- Keyshawn Hall (UCF): Last year’s Big 12 scoring leader. He’s the go-to bucket-getter who can take over games in isolation.
- KeShawn Murphy (Mississippi State): The 6’10” Birmingham native gets his homecoming moment tonight. He’s tasked with filling Johni Broome’s massive shoes inside — a tall order, literally and figuratively.
Ballin’ in Boutwell — Old School Meets New Era
The venue itself adds to the storyline. Boutwell Auditorium, built in 1924, provides a throwback atmosphere that turns this exhibition into something special. It’s loud, intimate, and sold out — exactly the type of environment Steven Pearl wants for testing composure and chemistry.
He said earlier this week that he’s watching closely to see “who handles the lights and who plays well together.” Expect free-flowing rotations and plenty of experimentation as the staff gauges which combinations have real staying power.
The Opponent: Oklahoma State
Oklahoma State is in a similar spot. Second-year head coach Steve Lutz is still reshaping the Cowboys’ program, bringing in nearly an entirely new roster after last season’s 17-18 campaign. Like Auburn, OSU will treat this exhibition as an early chemistry test more than a scoreboard chase.
The series history is even at 2-2, with Oklahoma State winning the last official meeting back in 2016 — though tonight’s result won’t count in the record books.
What to Watch For
This one’s all about first impressions.
Can Steven Pearl’s Tigers keep Bruce’s defensive edge while running a faster, freer offense?
Can Pettiford step fully into the leadership role everyone expects?
And can this new-look roster handle the pressure of playing in front of a charged Birmingham crowd?
It’s just an exhibition, but for Auburn, the new era starts tonight.