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Auburn ends skid, deals Kentucky third straight loss in thriller
KeShawn Murphy and Elyjah Freeman lead Tigers to 75-74 victory over Wildcats
Feb. 22, 2026 at 7:34am
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In a close game, Auburn ended its five-game losing streak and handed Kentucky its third consecutive loss, winning 75-74. KeShawn Murphy scored 25 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, while Elyjah Freeman tipped in a missed shot with just 1.4 seconds left to secure the victory for the Tigers.
Why it matters
This win is a much-needed boost for Auburn, which had been struggling, while Kentucky continues to face challenges after a strong start to the season. The close game highlights the competitiveness of SEC basketball and the ability of teams to pull off upsets, even against traditional powerhouses.
The details
Murphy had a dominant performance, scoring 25 points and pulling down 10 rebounds to lead the Tigers. With the game tied 74-74 in the final seconds, Freeman was able to tip in a missed shot to give Auburn the victory. The loss extends Kentucky's skid to three games after the Wildcats had started the season strongly.
- The game was played on February 22, 2026.
The players
KeShawn Murphy
A key player for Auburn, scoring 25 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in the win.
Elyjah Freeman
Scored the game-winning tip-in with 1.4 seconds left to secure the victory for Auburn.
Kentucky
The Wildcats suffered their third straight loss in this close game against Auburn.
Auburn
The Tigers ended a five-game losing streak with this narrow victory over Kentucky.
What they’re saying
“This was a huge win for us after a tough stretch. The guys really battled and showed a lot of heart to pull this one out.”
— Bruce Pearl, Auburn Head Coach
What’s next
Auburn will look to build on this win as it continues SEC play, while Kentucky will try to end its skid in its next game.
The takeaway
This close game between two SEC rivals showcases the competitiveness of the conference and Auburn's ability to pull off an upset victory, even against a traditional powerhouse like Kentucky.
