The Auburn Tigers held firm at No. 22 in the latest AP Poll after a thrilling one-point loss to top-ranked Houston, who has now moved to No. 2 following the win. For a team and coaching staff still getting to know each other, pushing the nation’s best to the brink is a statement.
Auburn battled Houston on nearly every possession, but two factors ultimately decided the outcome. Houston’s Kingston Flemings was on fire, scoring 22 points with seven assists and five rebounds while shooting 61.5 percent. Auburn also struggled at the free-throw line, making just 21 of 33 attempts despite taking 21 more free throws than Houston. Together, Flemings’ hot hand and Auburn’s missed opportunities at the line proved to be the difference in a game that came down to a single point.
Keyshawn Hall led Auburn with 20 points and 11 rebounds before leaving late with an ankle injury, and his status for Wednesday’s matchup against Jacksonville State remains uncertain. Tahaad Pettiford added 15 points, including three triples, showing flashes of the player he was last season and providing balance to Auburn’s attack.
Looking ahead, Auburn faces Jacksonville State (0–3), who have already fallen to No. 17 Illinois and No. 11 Louisville. The Tigers enter as the clear favorite, but Hall’s ankle and the team’s recovery from the narrow loss will be key storylines.
For a young team still finding its identity under a new coach, a one-point loss to the nation’s top team is far from discouraging. Instead, it serves as proof that Auburn can compete with the best, even as the players and staff continue to build chemistry and define their season.