Auburn edges Kentucky on Elyjah Freeman's last-second tip-in

KeyShawn Murphy scores 25 points as Auburn rallies from 9-point deficit to beat Kentucky 75-74

Feb. 22, 2026 at 10:10am

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Auburn rallied from a nine-point deficit early in the second half to claim a pivotal 75-74 win over Kentucky at home and boost its NCAA Tournament hopes. KeyShawn Murphy scored 17 of his career-high 25 points after halftime and Auburn got a tip-in from Elyjah Freeman with 1.2 seconds to play to claim the win and end a five-game losing streak.

Why it matters

The win over Kentucky helps Auburn's NCAA Tournament hopes after a five-game losing streak, while Kentucky has now lost three straight games, hurting its postseason chances.

The details

Kentucky led 39-35 at halftime and stretched its edge to 46-37 on a Otega Oweh dunk with 17:53 to play. Auburn rallied to pull even at 53 on a driving layup from Murphy and stretched the lead to 66-60 with 3:35 to play on a dunk from Murphy. Kentucky (17-10, 8-6 SEC) rallied back to claim a 74-71 lead with 18.8 seconds to play, but Auburn scored the game's final four points.

  • Auburn trailed 46-37 with 17:53 to play in the second half.
  • Auburn tied the game at 53 on a driving layup from Murphy.
  • Auburn took a 66-60 lead with 3:35 to play on a dunk from Murphy.
  • Kentucky took a 74-71 lead with 18.8 seconds remaining.
  • Elyjah Freeman hit the game-winning tip-in with 1.2 seconds left.

The players

KeyShawn Murphy

Auburn player who scored a career-high 25 points, including 17 in the second half.

Elyjah Freeman

Auburn player who hit the game-winning tip-in with 1.2 seconds left.

Otega Oweh

Kentucky player who scored 29 points, including 17 in the second half.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.