In a historic showdown on March 1, 2025, the Auburn Tigers, ranked No. 1 in the nation, secured a monumental 94-78 victory over the No. 17 Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena. This triumph marked Auburn’s first win in Lexington since 1988, ending a 37-year drought and clinc.
The Tigers entered the game with a 26-2 record, including a perfect 7-0 mark in SEC road games. Their dominance throughout the season had positioned them at the pinnacle of college basketball rankings. Kentucky, under first-year head coach Mark Pope, held a 19-9 record and was 14-2 at home. The Wildcats aimed to bolster their NCAA Tournament resume with a signature win against the top-ranked Tigers
Auburn’s victory was propelled by an outstanding performance from junior guard Miles Kelly, who delivered a career-high 30 points. Kelly’s sharpshooting was on full display as he connected on nine of 14 attempts from beyond the arc, falling just one three-pointer short of tying the school record. His early barrage set the tone for the Tigers, with Kelly hitting his first three-pointer just 12 seconds into the game and sinking four in the first half, including two banked shots. Reflecting on his performance, Kelly remarked, “At shootaround, I fell in love with the rims. Everything I was putting up at shootaround was going in. I knew I would get some looks early and I knocked them down. My teammates did a great job of finding me.”
Freshman guard Tahaad Pettiford also played a pivotal role, contributing 21 points and four assists without committing a turnover. Pettiford’s poise and efficiency were crucial, especially after starting guard Denver Jones exited the game early due to an ankle injury. Pettiford’s performance earned high praise from Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl, who stated, “Playing like the best freshman guard in the country. He doesn’t have a turnover against (Lamont) Butler, who’s one of the better defenders in the league. dded 22 points, with 16 coming in the first half. His offensive contributions provided a significant boost, helping Auburn establish a double-digit lead early in the game. Baker-Mazara’s versatility and scoring ability have been instrumental in Auburn’s success this season.
Defensively, Auburn executed a game plan that stifled Kentucky’s perimeter shooting. The Wildcats, who averaged 9.9 three-pointers per game, were held to a season-low four made threes on 17 attempts. Auburn’s perimeter defense was relentless, closing out on shooters and contesting every shot. The Tigers also forced 18 turnovers, converting them into 21 points. This defensive pressure disrupted Kentucky’s offensive rhythm and prevented any sustained runs.
Kentucky’s offense struggled to find consistency throughout the game. Star guard Otega Oweh, who had been averaging 16.1 points per game, was limited to just four points. His diminished production was a testament to Auburn’s defensive strategy. Koby Brea led the Wildcats with 21 points, while Andrew Carr added 20 points. Despite their efforts, Kentucky was unable to overcome the turnovers and poor three-point shooting.
Auburn’s dominance was evident from the outset. The Tigers jumped to a quick lead, with Kelly’s early three-pointers igniting a 10-0 run. They maintained a double-digit advantage for most of the first half, leading 49-34 at halftime. In the second half, Auburn extended their lead to as many as 22 points. Kentucky made several attempts to close the gap, but each run was met with a swift response from the Tigers. Auburn’s composure and execution in the face of Kentucky’s pressure were indicative of their experience and poise.
The significance of this victory cannot be overstated. Auburn’s previous win at Rupp Arena came on January 9, 1988, when they edged out a 53-52 victory over the then-No. 1 ranked Wildcats. Since that game, Auburn had suffered 20 consecutive losses in Lexington. This win not only snapped that streak but also improved Auburn’s all-time record at Rupp Arena to 3-51. Coach Pearl acknowledged the historical context, stating, “The reason why we have not won there is because, historically, Kentucky’s been the best team in the league. And historically, we haven’t been one of the best teams in the league over a long period of time. But we’re trying to put a dent in that right now.”
Beyond the historical implications, the win had immediate ramifications for the SEC standings. Auburn improved to 27-2 overall and 15-1 in conference play, clinching at least a share of the SEC regular-season title. This marks Auburn’s fifth regular-season SEC championship and their third in the last eight seasons. The Tigers also secured a double bye in the upcoming SEC tournament, positioning themselves favorably for a deep postseason run.
The victory also highlighted Auburn’s resilience and depth. Overcoming the loss of Denver Jones early in the game, the Tigers relied on their bench and adjusted their rotations seamlessly. Pettiford’s increased minutes and production underscored the team’s next-man-up mentality. This adaptability has been a hallmark of Auburn’s season, allowing them to navigate challenges and maintain their high level of play.Auburn Tigers AthleticsReuters+1Auburn Tigers Athletics+1
Kentucky, meanwhile, faced questions about their consistency and ability to compete against top-tier competition. The Wildcats had been on a positive trajectory, winning four of their last six games prior to facing Auburn