Overview
- Steven Pearl took his first loss as Auburn’s head coach in a one-possession defeat to Houston in Birmingham.
- Freshman Kingston Flemings led Houston with 22 points and blocked Tahaad Pettiford’s potential game-winner in the final seconds.
- Multiple outlets described the final as 73-72, though at least one report carried an inconsistent score listing.
- Bruce Pearl, who retired in September to pursue broadcasting, was visibly animated from the stands and protested calls.
- The matchup highlighted Auburn’s roster turnover following last season’s Final Four run and its search for an identity under new leadership.