Overview
- Tipoff is 2 p.m. CT at Legacy Arena in Birmingham on ESPN as part of Battleground 2k25, a neutral-site event expected to draw a heavy Auburn crowd.
- Pre-game lines favor Houston by about 7.5 points with both teams entering 3-0 in their first high-major matchup of the season.
- The Cougars, last season's national runner-up, rank No. 1 in KenPom defensive efficiency, have allowed about 50.0 points per game, and feature Emanuel Sharp (≈17.3 ppg) and freshman Kingston Flemings (≈15.7 ppg).
- Auburn turns to transfers after significant turnover, with UCF transfer Keyshawn Hall averaging about 24.3 points and 11 rebounds under new head coach Steven Pearl.
- This is a rematch of Auburn’s 74-69 upset on Nov. 9, 2024, with guard Tahaad Pettiford among the few current Tigers who have faced Houston.