Full Breakdown
Auburn Tigers Secure First SEC Road Win Against Ole Miss Rebels
1/21/2026, 11:55:11 AM
Game Overview
On January 20, 2026, the Auburn Tigers defeated the Ole Miss Rebels 78-66 at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion in Oxford, Mississippi. This victory marked Auburn's first true road win of the season and extended their winning streak against Ole Miss to ten games, improving their overall record to 12-7 and 3-3 in Southeastern Conference (SEC) play.
Key Performers
Keyshawn Hall led Auburn with 19 points, while Tahaad Pettiford contributed 17 points and KeShawn Murphy recorded a double-double with 16 points and 14 rebounds. Auburn's dominance in the paint was evident, as they outscored Ole Miss 38-14 in the paint and secured a significant rebounding advantage of 44-27.
For Ole Miss, AJ Storr was the standout performer, scoring 18 points, while Travis Perry and Payton Pinkins each added 15 points. Despite their efforts, the Rebels fell to 11-8 overall and 3-3 in the SEC, snapping a three-game winning streak.
Game Progression
The game began with a competitive first half, where the lead changed hands multiple times. Auburn managed to take a narrow 28-27 lead into halftime. The Tigers quickly extended their lead to 39-31 early in the second half, but Ole Miss fought back to close the gap to 66-63 with just over three minutes remaining. However, Pettiford's three-point play and subsequent dunk helped Auburn regain control, allowing them to finish the game strong.
Official Statements & Responses
Auburn head coach Steven Pearl praised his team's performance, stating, “Needed it in a big, big way, just to build some confidence in what we’re doing. Our defense carried us again.” He highlighted the importance of this win for the team's morale and future games.
Ole Miss head coach Chris Beard expressed disappointment, calling the loss a "wasted opportunity" and noted the lack of physicality from his big men, which contributed to the team's struggles. Beard acknowledged that Auburn's aggressive playstyle led to a significant free-throw differential, with Auburn attempting 39 free throws compared to Ole Miss's 15.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of Ole Miss pointed to the performance of their frontcourt, particularly Malik Dia and James Scott, who combined for only two points and two rebounds. Beard remarked on Dia's lack of physicality, indicating that his performance did not meet expectations.
What's Next
Following this game, Auburn will face No. 16 Florida on January 24, while Ole Miss will travel to Kentucky for their next matchup on January 24. Both teams will look to rebound from this contest as they continue their SEC schedules.
Conclusion
Auburn's victory over Ole Miss not only marked a significant milestone for coach Steven Pearl in his first season but also showcased the Tigers' ability to perform under pressure. With a strong performance in the paint and effective free-throw shooting, Auburn demonstrated their potential as they move forward in the SEC season.
