Auburn Basketball's February Challenge: A Make-or-Break Moment
February 2026 has been a rollercoaster for Auburn basketball, one they'd probably like to forget. After kicking off the month with a tough road loss at Tennessee that snapped a four-game winning streak, the Tigers stumbled through four more consecutive losses. A nail-biting win over Kentucky seemed like a turning point, but it was quickly followed by a hefty defeat at Oklahoma.
Auburn entered the month comfortably projected in the top half of the NCAA Tournament bracket. Now, they find themselves teetering on the bubble, with more predictions placing them in the First Four play-in games than in the main bracket.
The key to turning this around? Avoiding a slip-up against Ole Miss, a Quad 3 opponent.
The Tigers' slide from a projected 6 or 7 seed to losing six of their last seven games has been tough. Yet, hope remains.
Auburn can still make it to the NCAA Tournament for the fifth consecutive year, a feat not many teams can boast. Head coach Steven Pearl emphasized this perspective, reminding his team of their fortunate position.
“There’s 323 teams in college basketball that wish they were us right now,” Pearl said. “We’ve put ourselves in position to be in position. Now, it’s on us to win some games.”
The response to their recent 12-point loss at Oklahoma was spirited. A lively Thursday film session led to one of the most energetic practices of the season. Guard Kevin Overton noted that while Auburn has had strong practices before, translating that energy into game-day performance is crucial.
“It definitely feels different,” Overton said. “To have hope with a team like this, after everything we've been through, it's huge.”
Great practices and media soundbites are one thing, but wins are what count. Auburn fans know this all too well from past experiences with other sports teams. Overton stressed the importance of action over words.
“It’s not about talking about it. It’s about literally going out and giving your all,” he said. “That’s what we’ve struggled with this year - consistency and togetherness.”
The Tigers have already shown they can beat Ole Miss, having done so on January 20. In that game, they allowed only 66 points, their best defensive performance against a high-major team this season. Pearl highlighted the importance of playing with intent and desperation, qualities they displayed in that victory.
“We were connected, playing with purpose,” Pearl said. “In order to beat anyone in this league, that’s how we have to play for 40 minutes.”
A loss to Ole Miss, who has dropped 10 straight games, would be a severe blow to Auburn’s tournament hopes. The Tigers have managed to navigate a tough schedule with some notable wins, but they can't afford any bad losses, especially at home.
Pearl acknowledged Ole Miss's competitiveness, noting their close games and capability. Auburn must play with urgency and focus to avoid further setbacks.
“The coaches can't want it more than we do,” Overton emphasized. “We can't allow opportunities to slip anymore.”
As Auburn gears up for this crucial matchup against Ole Miss, the message is clear: defend with intensity or face the consequences. The Tigers’ path to the NCAA Tournament hinges on their ability to back up their words with action on the court.