Auburn traveled to Austin for their first-ever match-up against Texas and walked away with a hard-fought 87-82 win. The Tigers faced a determined Longhorns squad that clawed back multiple times. However, Auburn’s clutch free-throw shooting and all-around effort sealed the victory.
Key Takeaways:
1. Johni Broome’s Dominance:
Johni Broome was the centerpiece of Auburn’s attack, posting a stellar 20-point, 12-rebound, 5-assist performance. This marked, yet another, double-double for the forward. Broome’s ability to control the glass and score efficiently helped Auburn close out a tough road game.
2. Arthur Kaluma’s Stellar Performance:
Texas forward Arthur Kaluma was the Longhorns’ standout performer. He lead all scorers with 34 points on 12-of-16 shooting and pulling down 8 rebounds. Kaluma’s versatility as both a scorer in the paint and a shooter gave Auburn’s defense fits all night. His critical baskets during a the second-half run brought Texas back into the game. Texas was able to cut the deficit to just 3 points with under a minute left.
3. Clutch Free Throw Shooting by Auburn:
Auburn’s composure at the free-throw line proved pivotal. The Tigers shot 84% (21-of-25) from the charity stripe, including crucial late-game free throws. Denver Jones and Tahaad Pettiford stepped up in the closing moments. The point guards combined for 4-for-4 in the final minute to stave off Texas’s comeback attempts.
4. Contributions from the Big Guards:
The major story was the play of Miles Kelly early. His hot shooting got the Tigers off to a good start. He finished the game with 18 points (6-12 shooting, including 4-6 from 3). Chad Baker-Mazara added another 16 Points on 4 of 8 shooting. Their point contribution and defense on the Texas guards were crucial to the win.
5. Defensive Resilience:
Despite the huge effort from Kaluma, the rest of the Longhorns were held in check. Tre Johnson, the standout freshman, had 11 Points, well below is season average of 19. He was harassed all night by the likes of Chad Baker-Mazara and Miles Kelly. Texas shot just 46% from the field. Before this game, they had been shooting closer to 60% at home.
Statistical Highlights:
- Auburn’s Rebounding Edge: Auburn won the battle on the boards, out rebounding Texas 37-30, with Johni Broome leading the way.
- Field Goal Shooting: Auburn shot 48% from the field, slightly better than Texas’s 46%. Also, Auburn hit 8 three-pointers to Texas’s 5.
- Arthur Kaluma’s MVP Effort: Kaluma’s 34 points and 8 rebounds were a driving force behind Texas’s comeback attempts.
- Late-Game Efficiency: Auburn went 8-for-10 from the free-throw line in the final three minutes, preserving their lead.
What This Means:
This win showcases Auburn’s ability to handle adversity in tough road environments. Coach Bruce Pearl praised his team’s resilience, stating, “Free throws, rebounds, and executing under pressure were the difference tonight.” For Texas, Arthur Kaluma’s outstanding performance solidifies their reputation as a dangerous team capable of competing with the nation’s best.
As Auburn looks ahead, this victory reinforces their standing as a top-5 team. With the Tennessee loss, Auburn is poised to take over the #1 Ranking in the country. They just need to handle business on the road against South Carolina.
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