auburn tigers

Las Vegas, NV. – The Oregon Ducks and Auburn Tigers opened the evening session of the Players Era Festival at Mandalay Bay. Auburn pulled away late in the game to top Oregon 84-73. Tahaad Pettiford led the winners with 24 points on 9-of-18 shooting and added four assists and four rebounds. Takai Simpkins led the Ducks with 22 points, connecting on 5-of-8 3’s and making all seven of his free throws.

Auburn scored eight straight points late in the game, expanding a 60-59 lead to 68-59 and coasted to the win from there. Oregon couldn’t overcome off nights from their two top players, Jackson Shelstad and Nate Bittle. The two combined to shoot 6-of-28 from the field, including 2-of-15 from deep. Oregon was very loose with the ball (18 turnovers) and their spacing was poor on offense as in multiple sets there were four players on one end of the court. Simpkins made five poor passes and finished with seven turnovers. The team is still searching for a reliable secondary initiator on offense.

Bittle’s ineffectiveness inside helped Auburn gain a 38-24 advantage in points in the paint. The Tigers also held a 26-8 edge on layup points as the Ducks only had one blocked shot in the game. Pettiford has his way on offense, using his tight handle to continually create space from Oregon’s defenders and get off his shots. Neither team shot particularly well. Auburn was 5-of-23 on 3’s (21.7%) while Oregon connected on only 9-of-33 (27.3%). The difference was in Auburn’s effectiveness inside and on two-point shots where they converted 25-of-42 (59.5%) compared to Oregon’s 14-of-28. Because of their turnovers and general poor shooting the Ducks’ +12 edge in rebounding did not amount to much.

The teams battled to a 37-37 tie at the close of the first half. The Ducks had problems containing Auburn’s Pettiford, The 6’1 Pettiford used his handle to get past Oregon’s defenders repeatedly. He finished the half as the leading scorer with 13 points on 6-of-12 shooting. Oregon’s 7’0 center, Nate Bittle led his team with 10 points and seven rebounds, banking in a three-pointer to even the game before the halftime break. Takai Simpkins added nine points on 3-of-4 from deep but was sloppy on his passing with five turnovers, The Ducks committed ten turnovers in the half compared to only three by Auburn with the Tigers having an 8-3 edge in points off turnovers.

Oregon will play San Diego State in the final game tomorrow night while Auburn goes on to face Michigan.

This article was written by Carl Berman, Managing Partner of NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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Birmingham, AL – The Houston vs. Auburn basketball matchup was a high-energy contest that lived up to expectations, showcasing elite athleticism, defensive intensity, and clutch shot-making from both sides. Houston’s trademark toughness and defensive discipline were on full display. Auburn showed resilience and offensive firepower, keeping the game competitive throughout. Auburn’s young core showed flashes of brilliance that bode well for their season ahead. Overall, Houston’s defensive execution and balanced scoring proved to be the difference in their 73-72 victory.

For the Cougars, Kingston Flemings set the tone early, controlling the tempo and attacking the rim with confidence. His ability to penetrate and finish through contact gave Houston a steady offensive rhythm when the game tightened. Fleming’s leadership and poise were crucial in key stretches. Flemings, a 6’4 freshman scored 22 points and added five rebounds and seven assists.

Chris Cenac Jr., a 6’11 freshman, was a force in the paint, using his length and athleticism to dominate the boards and protect the rim. He altered shots, ran the floor well, and provided second-chance opportunities that kept Houston in control. His energy on both ends made a noticeable impact. Cenac finished with 18 points and nine rebounds, shooting 2-of-3 from deep.

Emanuel Sharp delivered the scoring punch Houston needed from the perimeter. His shooting touch from deep stretched Auburn’s defense, and he hit timely shots that swung momentum back in Houston’s favor. Sharp’s confidence and ability to create his own shot were major factors in the Cougars’ offensive success. He was a bit off on his shooting tonight, ending the game with 13 points on 5-of-15 from the floor.

For the Auburn Tigers, Tahaad Pettiford was electric, using his quickness to break down defenders and create scoring chances. His ability to push the pace and finish in transition gave Auburn a spark whenever they needed a run. Pettiford finished with15 points on 5-of-14 shooting including 3-of-8 on threes.

Keyshawn Hall brought toughness and versatility, contributing on both ends of the court. He attacked the glass, defended multiple positions, and hit a few key mid-range jumpers that kept Auburn within striking distance. His hustle plays stood out even when the offense stalled. The 6’7, 240-pounder led the Tigers with 20 points and 11 rebounds.

Kevin Overton provided steady scoring from the wing, knocking down shots from beyond the arc and showing composure under pressure. His perimeter shooting helped space the floor and opened driving lanes for Pettiford and Hall. The 6’5 Overton had 13 points and five rebounds.

This article was written by Andrew Keeling, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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Oregon Falls to Auburn at Players Era Festival

Houston Edges Auburn in Birmingham