LEXINGTON, Ky. — No. 1 Auburn (27-2, 15-1) beat Kentucky (19-10, 8-8) 94-78 Saturday inside Rupp Arena to break a 20-game and 37-year losing streak to the Wildcats in Lexington. The win not only broke a long streak but also secured the Tigers at least a share of the SEC Regular Season Title. And if that wasn’t enough, Dylan Cardwell became the winningest player in Auburn basketball history.
Auburn opened Saturday’s game with a three from Miles Kelly on its opening possession and that shot foreshadowed what was to come. Kelly caught fire from beyond the arc knocking down nine three-point shots on 14 attempts. He led the way for the Tigers scoring 30 points in the game.
“I just came out feeling it…,” Kelly said. “Every time I shot it, I thought it was going in.”
Kelly wasn’t alone in scoring, though. Chad Baker-Mazara scored 16 points in the first half and 22 in the game. Kelly and Baker-Mazara combined for 43 of Auburn’s 49 points. Kelly and Baker-Mazara’s scoring covered up the fact that star Johni Broome was held to only one point in the first half.
As much attention was on Auburn’s offense in this game, Auburn’s defense also played well. The Tigers held Kentucky to only 34 first-half points. The Wildcats shot 33 percent from the field in the half and only knocked down one three.
“Coach Pope runs the best five out anywhere in college basketball, and we run five out too, and because we run some we know how to defend it,” Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl said. “We did a great job defending it.”
Auburn led by 15 at halftime, but multiple Tigers were in foul trouble – the entire frontcourt had at least two fouls at the start of the half. Despite the foul trouble, Auburn extended its lead to start the second half. Auburn led by as many as 21 points before Kentucky cut the lead to 13 with just over 10 minutes left in the game.
Auburn responded after Kentucky’s run and did not look back. Miles Kelly continued his hot shooting in the second half, but he wasn’t alone. Denver Jones injured his ankle in the first half of the game, requiring freshman point guard Tahaad Pettiford to play 19 of the 20 minutes in the second half.
Pettiford handled the increase in minutes well. He scored 10 points in the second half and 21 points in the game overall.
“Tahaad has not started a game and has not said one word to any of his coaches,” Pearl said. “His family has not said a single word because he was raised right.”
Johni Broome also responded after a slow first half, scoring eight points on three of four from the field.
After Auburn extended the lead back out, Auburn’s defense locked back in and finished the game holding Kentucky to only four made three-pointers. For Auburn, it was a unique game, but the Tigers once again proved they are the best team in the country.
Johni Broome scored nine points. Kentucky shot 38 free throws. Denver Jones went down with an injury. Despite all those factors Auburn scored 94 points and won by 16 points. The Tigers showed they are more than one player. They can beat you in a variety of ways.
Dylan Cardwell made history. Miles Kelly made history, Bruce Pearl made history. Auburn made history. The Tigers broke the losing streak in Lexington and secured at least a share of the SEC Title. Party like its 1988 Auburn.
“This is obviously historic, Pearl said. “Two wins and 31 losses in 33 tries… it’s what we do it for – to make history.”
Next, Auburn will travel to College Station on Tuesday night to take on Texas A&M. The tip-off is set for 8 p.m. CT on the Auburn Sports Network and ESPN.
