Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer.
Bruce Pearl talks about Auburn's 76-66 win over Kentucky Wildcats.

Tigers handle basketball powerhouse at home

AUBURN, Ala. (EETV) - No. 10 Auburn took down basketball power-house Kentucky 76-66 at home in front of a sold-out crowd Tuesday night.  

"They weren't expecting this environment," said Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl. "We showed them something tonight even though it wasn't our best game.”

Bryce Brown and Jared Harper both lead the Tigers with 18 points. Harper dished out seven assists and Brown, who had missed the previous game with a shoulder strain, shot 4-7 from beyond the arc. 

Anfernee McLemore had one of his best games of the season finishing with 13 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocks, and 3 steals.

"He's confident, and he was a matchup problem for them [Kentucky]," Pearl said of McLemore. "I just thought the way he patrolled the paint with our defense."

Throughout the night, Auburn fed off each other play and energy. Four Tigers would end the night in double-digits when it came to scoring.

"Our kids do rely on each other, they do trust each other, they count on each other, they challenge each other," Pearl said of Auburn's team play. "Those are the things that lead us to victory tonight."

Auburn as a team shot 22-60 (36.7%) from the field including 8-27 (29.6%) from three while Kentucky shot 25-54 (46.3%) and connecting on only 3-14 (21.4%) from three points.

The win moves Auburn to 23-3 overall and 11-2 in SEC play sitting them atop the conference as March and tournament season approaches. 

Auburn will now travel to South Carolina for a match-up with the Gamecocks Saturday, Feb 17. Tip-off is set for 2:30 p.m.