After a frustrating performance against the Alabama State Hornets in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, the Auburn basketball team came out looking completely different in their second matchup.
True freshman Tahaad Pettiford stepped up in a big way for the Tigers after a disappointing first game, leading his team in scoring with 23 points. Chad Baker-Mazara logged 17 points, and Denver Jones added 15 while center Dylan Cardwell made his presence known on the defensive end.
The turnaround comes after Cardwell and assistant head coach Steven Pearl called out their team for a lackluster performance and lack of energy in the first game. Clearly, the message was received, and Auburn basketball responded and is heading to the Sweet Sixteen for the first time since 2019. Here is what the team had to say after the game.
Bruce Pearl on turning things around for the Creighton matchup, per AL.com:
“We talked a little bit about game one and not giving the kind of effort and energy that was required and not really trusting one another, sharing it, and the sacrifices that need to be made. Tonight, we put all that behind us and the guys did a phenomenal job on both ends of the floor.”
Pettiford on his impressive performance, per Auburn Undercover:
"It was a dream come true. You always see that as a kid. I always wanted to be part of March Madness. Just to be able to have a game like I did today and be able to do that, it's a dream come true."
Chad Baker-Mazara on Tahaad Pettiford's big game, per Auburn Rivals:
“He played like a man. He's not scared of the moment. I just love the confidence he has in himself. Just to see a freshman like that is really rare -- come in and take big shots, and just playing the way he does, I love it.”
Chaney Johnson on Chad Baker-Mazara, per Auburn Undercover:
"That man's a walking bucket. He's a little crazy, but he's a walking bucket. That's my brother. Chad, he's going to give a lot to this team, and he's playing on a hurt hip and was still out there giving buckets and playing great defense and dishing the ball out. It's great to play with a player like him."
The Tigers return to action against Michigan this Friday in Atlanta.