Sunday the Auburn Tigers defeated the Kentucky Wildcats in the Elite 8 to advance to the Final Four for the first time school history. We break down the top ten best moments inside their victory here.
The last time the Auburn Tigers played Kentucky they lost by 27 points. That was February 23rd and they haven’t lost since. A lot has happened since February 23rd. The Tigers went on to win the SEC Tournament Championship, entered the NCAA Tournament as a 5 seed, defeated Kansas, North Carolina, and Kentucky all within 8 days, achieved their first ever 30 win season, and they have advanced to the Final Four.
Saturday’s game was emotional for a multitude of reasons. Getting in foul trouble early, the Tigers came out in the second half playing lights out and sealed their victory in a dominant overtime performance.
At halftime senior Bryce Brown told himself that he wasn’t ready for his Auburn career to end.
And it didn’t.
The Tigers defeated Kentucky 77-71. Here is a look at ten of the greatest moments from the most historic win in Auburn basketball history.
Number 10:
Malik Dunbar enters pregame warmups wearing Chuma Okeke’s jersey.
Malik Dunbar warming up in Chuma Okeke’s jersey 🙏 pic.twitter.com/QpL3naDBFt
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) March 31, 2019
Chuma Okeke exited the North Carolina game (Sweet 16) with a torn ACL, he will be undergoing surgery with Dr. James Andrews on Tuesday.
https://www.al.com/auburnbasketball/2019/03/chuma-okeke-has-torn-acl-will-undergo-surgery.html
Number 9:
Anfernee McLemore’s blocked shot ends Kentucky’s chances to win and sets up free throws for Jared Harper at the line.
MCLEMORE WITH THE FINAL NAIL IN KENTUCKY’S COFFIN PUNCHING AUBURN’S TICKET TO THEIR 1ST FINAL FOUR IN PROGRAM HISTORY #WarDamnEagle #DoItForChuma pic.twitter.com/2xQEqNFdWf
— Power of Dixieland (@PwrofDixieland) April 1, 2019
Number 8:
Malik Dunbar DENIES Keldon Johnson, stands over him like Muhammad Ali standing over Joe Frazier.
Malik Dunbar with a MASSIVE block...and he made sure Keldon Johnson knew about it. pic.twitter.com/jl1eqcOuIp
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 31, 2019
Number 7:
“BRYCE BROWN IS SMOKIN’ HOT!”
"Bryce Brown is smoking hot!" pic.twitter.com/UyNZMWXwTE
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 31, 2019
Bryce Brown did everything he had to do to make sure his Auburn career did not come to an end on Sunday.
Number 6:
Bruce Pearl has a total come apart behind Tyler Herro, becomes America’s favorite coach.
Bruce Pearl 😂 pic.twitter.com/oSaSxJ8O7k
— For The Win (@ForTheWin) March 31, 2019
Number 5:
Jared Harper scored 12 points in overtime and completely dominated while playing 1 on 5.
Jared Harper carrying Auburn in OT. Little man has big-time heart.
— 4_sumthin_24 (@ace_1985) March 31, 2019
Giving me strong Earl Boykins vibes. #MarchMadness #MarchMadness2019 #NCAATournament2019 #Auburn #Kentucky pic.twitter.com/jPzxPwkE1a
Number 4:
Bruce Pearl’s distaste for the officials, this video of Bruce has been viewed 1,880,000 times as of Monday and has also become a viral meme.
Fans loved Bruce Pearl shaking his head at refs during Auburn's win over Kentucky.https://t.co/Pmaa6YXL5Xpic.twitter.com/JRvNNQFG95
— For The Win (@ForTheWin) March 31, 2019
Number 3:
Chuma Okeke began Sunday afternoon watching the game from his hotel room, but by halftime he was ready to reunite with his teammates. His arrival was emotional and viewed by many as the true turning point in the game.
Chuma is here pic.twitter.com/k630USQvGc
— Tom Green (@Tomas_Verde) March 31, 2019
Number 2:
“ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN IN MARCH!”
Critics: Without Chuma, Auburn has no chance against a big dog like Kentucky.
— Jasher®️ (@jashercox) March 31, 2019
Auburn: pic.twitter.com/AH08SaHRRB
Number 1:
“The greatest day in Auburn basketball history”-Charles Barkley.
Nobody is even going to try to dispute that Chuck.
"The greatest day in Auburn basketball history"#MarchMadness, it doesn't get any better than this. pic.twitter.com/ft5etQuhPU
— March Madness Men’s Basketball TV (@MM_MBB_TV) March 31, 2019
See you all in Minneapolis, War Eagle!