KeShawn Murphy gets payback against former team as Auburn's NCAA hopes stay alive

KeShawn Murphy came out hot against his former team on Wednesday in Nashville, scoring Auburn’s first seven points as they took an early lead against Mississippi State.

The forward also earned a technical foul after hitting a three, apparently saying something to some of his former teammates and likely Bulldogs’ guard Josh Hubbard.

It didn’t cost Auburn much, though, as the Tigers pulled away for a much-needed 77-61 win to advance to the second round of the SEC Tournament and keep their NCAA Tournament hopes alive.

“I thought it was funny because he said, ‘The coaches told me not to get involved, be myself,’” Steven Pearl said. “Two minutes into the game, he gets a T.”

KeShawn Murphy gets payback against former team

It was payback for what Hubbard and the Bulldogs did to Murphy and the Tigers last month in Starkville, as the Mississippi State guard went off for 35 points in the first half, ending with a program-record 10 three-pointers in a 91-85 victory. With the game clinched, Hubbard was seen yelling at Murphy, “You don’t leave State.”

Murphy got the last laugh, scoring 15 points while bringing down nine rebounds, putting the finishing touches on Auburn’s victory with a dunk and block of Hubbard that had him yelling at no one in particular once again.

“Obviously, that game meant a lot to Murph, especially after what Hubbard did to us in the first game,” Pearl said. 

Murphy, of all people, knew what needed to be done to stop Hubbard and the Bulldogs from pulling off another upset.

“Honestly, we knew what we had to come out and fix,” he said. “It was on us as players, not coaches. That played a big role in the performance we had in the second half. I'm glad we were able to stay together and make it happen. Last time it didn't go like that. That's a big step in our team.”

After the game, it was all love between the two teammates, who shared a moment on the court before heading to their respective locker rooms.