Hot Basketball Takes: Auburn 84, Oregon 73 — Second-Half Surge Sets Up Sweet 16 Rematch
The #21 Auburn Tigers used a dominant second-half performance and suffocating defense to pull away from the previously unbeaten Oregon Ducks, 84–73, in the opening round of the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas. It was a statement win, and now the Tigers (5–1) face #7 Michigan in a rematch of last year’s Sweet 16 — with money, pride, and momentum all on the line.
Second-Half Takeover Turns Back-and-Forth Battle Into Auburn Statement
This game was a war for 25 minutes. The first half ended deadlocked at 37–37 after 13 lead changes and six ties. Both teams traded runs, but neither could build separation.
That changed midway through the second half.
Auburn went on a 10–0 run that flipped a 58–58 tie into a 68–59 advantage — and Oregon never recovered. Kaden Magwood’s go-ahead jumper capped the stretch and sparked a defensive lockdown that saw Auburn outscore the Ducks 47–36 after the break.
The Tigers shot 57.1% from the field in the second half and committed just six turnovers for the entire game — their cleanest performance since last season’s NCAA Tournament.
Tahaad Pettiford Takes Over the Backcourt
Sophomore guard Tahaad Pettiford delivered the best game of his Auburn career, finishing with 24 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and just 1 turnover before fouling out late. He scored 13 points in the first half to keep the Tigers within striking distance, then helped ignite the second-half surge with aggressive drives and midrange control.
He shot 8-of-13 inside the arc and 5-of-6 from the free-throw line, a major leap forward in efficiency. Coach Steven Pearl said afterward, “We showed a lot of grit and toughness. Pettiford gave us life when we needed it.”
Keyshawn Hall Returns with Stability and Power
Forward Keyshawn Hall, back after missing one game with an ankle injury, played 36 minutes and scored 18 points, including a perfect 6-for-6 from the line. He anchored the paint with physicality and cleaned the glass with six rebounds.
His presence was key in Auburn’s 38–24 advantage in points in the paint, particularly in neutralizing Oregon’s 7-footer Nate Bittle, who finished with just 10 points and 7 rebounds.
Defensive Turnover Clinic & Bench Efficiency
Auburn’s defense caused problems all night for the Ducks, forcing 18 turnovers and racking up 12 steals. The turnover margin (Auburn +12) was the difference-maker, leading to 14 points off turnovers and stopping Oregon’s offensive flow.
Elyjah Freeman had four steals, hounding Oregon’s guards into bad passes and rushed decisions. Meanwhile, Filip Jović came off the bench and didn’t miss a shot (4-for-4), scoring 9 points in just 12 minutes. The Tigers’ bench combined for 25 points.
Oregon’s Bright Spot: Takai Simpkins
Oregon guard Takai Simpkins was the lone consistent weapon for the Ducks, finishing with 22 points on 5-of-8 shooting from beyond the arc. He helped Oregon hang in early, but Auburn’s pressure eventually wore them down. The Tigers limited the Ducks to 27.3% shooting from three overall and forced them into rushed late possessions.
What’s Next: Michigan, NIL Money, and Revenge on the Line
It’s officially a Sweet 16 rematch tonight.
Auburn will face #7 Michigan (6–0) in the second round of the Players Era Festival. Last March, Auburn eliminated Michigan 78–65 in the NCAA Tournament, and while both rosters have changed, the edge is real.
The stakes are massive: the winner moves on to the final round of the Players Era Festival and an opportunity to claim a $2 million NIL prize pool for the team. It’s also Auburn’s second biggest résumé game so far — another chance to beat a Top 10 team on neutral ground.
The game will test Auburn’s depth, stamina, and discipline on the second night of a back-to-back. Michigan boasts one of the most efficient scoring offenses in the country (90.6 PPG), but also one of the most turnover-prone backcourts in the Big Ten — a clear mismatch for Auburn’s ball-hawking defense.
If Auburn repeats their turnover differential from the Oregon game and limits fouls, they can beat anyone. If they let Michigan’s frontcourt settle in and dictate tempo, it becomes a war of attrition.
HotBasketballTake: Auburn 91, Michigan 84
Auburn’s second-half defense and elite ball security were the blueprint. If they keep it clean and push pace again tonight, they’ll walk out of Vegas with another ranked win and a tournament title shot.