The Auburn Tigers are keeping their postseason dreams alive with a gritty 75-69 victory over the Nevada Wolfpack in the NIT quarterfinals. This win propels them into a showdown against Illinois State on April 2nd at the iconic Hinkle Fieldhouse. Auburn's triumph was fueled by a well-rounded team effort, with four players reaching double figures, ensuring they wrapped up their season at Neville Arena on a high note, boasting a solid 14-4 home record.
Let’s dive into five key takeaways from Auburn’s impressive performance against Nevada.
Jovic Shines Bright
Freshman sensation Filip Jovic chose the perfect moment to deliver his standout performance of the season. Dropping 18 points and grabbing 9 rebounds, Jovic was instrumental, especially considering Nevada's formidable frontcourt. His early contributions set the tone, with 12 points by halftime, showcasing his potential as a future star.
Freeman's Endurance
Elyjah Freeman was a cornerstone for the Tigers, playing all 40 minutes with unwavering determination. His efficiency was evident, scoring 15 points on 5 of 11 shooting and nailing all four of his free throws. Adding four rebounds and two assists, Freeman’s all-around play was crucial in Auburn's advancement.
Dynamic Duo: Pettiford and Hall
Tahaad Pettiford and Keyshawn Hall reminded everyone why they’re pivotal to Auburn’s success. Despite some early tournament struggles, they found their rhythm against Nevada.
Pettiford contributed 16 points and six assists, while Hall added 14 points, shooting an impressive six of nine and sinking two key three-pointers. Hall also chipped in with six rebounds and two assists, making their combined efforts a game-changer.
Winning the Turnover Battle
In tournament play, ball security can be the difference-maker. Auburn excelled here, forcing 12 Nevada turnovers while committing just seven themselves.
This defensive tenacity translated into 11 points off turnovers, with nine coming from steals. Pettiford and Sebastian Williams-Adams were defensive standouts, each snagging two steals.
Dominant First Half
Auburn set the pace early, outscoring Nevada 38-26 in the first half and maintaining control for nearly the entire game. They built a commanding 30-14 lead, highlighted by Freeman’s deep three-pointer. Scoring on 60.7% of their first-half possessions and securing 11 second-chance points, Auburn’s strong start was pivotal, especially as Nevada mounted a second-half comeback.
With this win, Auburn's journey continues, and if they maintain this level of play, their NIT run might just end in glory.