HOUSTON - Although Auburn’s trip to Houston started in a tumultuous fashion, it ended in nothing but pure elation from the Tigers and their fans. Auburn took down Houston to log their first regular-season non-conference win over a top-five opponent by a score of 74-69, and they couldn't have done it in a more cinematic way.
In a game with a bit of everything, where the lead changed hands 13 times and the teams were tied seven times, a few Tigers rose above the magnitude and importance of this early season clash of national title hopefuls.
Tahaad Pettiford in just his second collegiate game put on a show and proved himself to be an important part of what Auburn will hope to do this year. Pettiford led the Tigers in scoring with 21 points on his efficient 7-12 night where he also sank five of his eight three-point attempts, including some late clutch time buckets that helped Auburn pull away in the closing minutes.
“Big nuts,” Auburn Basketball head Coach Bruce Pearl had to say of the freshman's performance “Big nuts.”
Johni Broome came into the season with perhaps higher expectations than anyone in the country, but perhaps more impressive than his expectations is how he has completely stepped beyond them. Broome had 20 points and nine rebounds, along with five blocks and two steals. His engine helped prepare the Tigers for a win, and his presence in the paint gave Houston nightmares.
Other key contributors to Auburn were Chaney Johnson and Chad Baker-Mazara. Johnson had a double-double with 11 points and 10 boards on the night, while Baker-Mazara had seven points.
Houston had an impressive night falling short down the stretch, with no LJ Cryer for much of the first half and with early foul trouble the Cougars had to find other answers to keep pace with Auburn and they did.
The answer came in the form of the classic Houston style, lots of players with lots of points, attacking from all areas of the courts. The Cougars had five crack double digits including Joseph Tugler, J’wan Roberts, Milos Uzan, Emmanual Sharp, and LJ Cryer. All but Emmanuel Sharp ended with four or more fouls.
Houston led by as many as nine in the second half but could not hold on down the stretch. Both teams were about level in turnovers but the difference came in capitalizing off of the turnovers Houston created six more points off turnovers than Auburn but the Tigers eight more points in the paint launched them ahead.
Both teams showed why they are and will continue to be championship contenders as they set the standard for future top 25 matchups showing the country that anyone who crosses paths with these two teams will be in for a challenge perhaps greater than any others they can face.
