Keyshawn Hall expected back as Auburn visits Mississippi State

Auburn looks to end 4-game losing streak with return of leading scorer

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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If Auburn hopes to extend its streak of four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, it needs leading scorer Keyshawn Hall on the court. Hall, who has been indefinitely suspended for undisclosed reasons, was not listed on the SEC availability report for the game, meaning he is expected to face Mississippi State on Wednesday night when the Tigers visit Starkville, Miss. Auburn (14-11, 5-7 Southeastern Conference) has lost four straight overall and two consecutive road games.

Why it matters

Keyshawn Hall's return is crucial for Auburn as they look to end their 4-game losing streak and keep their NCAA Tournament hopes alive. The Tigers have struggled without their leading scorer, and his presence should provide a major boost to their offense.

The details

Without Hall, Tahaad Pettitford (29 points, 7 assists) and KeShawn Murphy (career-high 22 points, 12 rebounds) combined to score 30 of Auburn's 32 first-half points in their last game, but the rest of the team shot just 21.9%. Mississippi State (12-13, 4-8) has also struggled lately, losing 8 of their last 10 games, including five straight at home. However, the Bulldogs got strong performances from Josh Hubbard (32 points, 6 assists), Achor Achor (18 points, 5 rebounds), and Jayden Epps (12 points, 7 rebounds) in their last game, a 90-78 victory over Ole Miss.

  • Keyshawn Hall has been indefinitely suspended for undisclosed reasons.
  • Hall was not listed on the SEC availability report for the game, meaning he is expected to play against Mississippi State on Wednesday night.

The players

Keyshawn Hall

Auburn's leading scorer, who has been indefinitely suspended but is expected to return for Wednesday's game against Mississippi State.

Tahaad Pettitford

Auburn player who scored 29 points and had 7 assists in the Tigers' last game without Keyshawn Hall.

KeShawn Murphy

Auburn player who recorded a career-high 22 points and 12 rebounds in the Tigers' last game without Keyshawn Hall.

Josh Hubbard

Mississippi State player who scored 32 points and had 6 assists in the Bulldogs' last game, a 90-78 victory over Ole Miss.

Chris Jans

Mississippi State head coach, who is in his third year with the program.

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What they’re saying

“When our guy that's as good at attacking the paint as anybody in college basketball is not on the floor, it makes our points in the paint go down. That was probably the biggest difference, for me.”

— Steven Pearl, Auburn head coach (statenews.net)

“He was getting to create his own angles, his own shots. He got downhill a couple of times and didn't get the call, but he was pretty aggressive, and I like when he does that.”

— Chris Jans, Mississippi State head coach (statenews.net)

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

Keyshawn Hall's return is crucial for Auburn as they look to end their 4-game losing streak and keep their NCAA Tournament hopes alive. The Tigers have struggled without their leading scorer, and his presence should provide a major boost to their offense.