Auburn's Rollercoaster 2026 Season Faces Another Test Against Kentucky
Auburn's journey through the 2026 season has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. Starting their SEC campaign on January 3rd, the Tigers found themselves at an even 2-2 after the first four games.
Then, from January 17th, Auburn hit a hot streak, notching four consecutive victories over South Carolina, Ole Miss, Florida, and Texas. However, since their January 28th triumph over the Longhorns, the Tigers have struggled, dropping five straight contests to Tennessee, Alabama, Vanderbilt, Arkansas, and Mississippi State.
As Auburn prepares to host Kentucky, a team also looking to rebound from a two-game skid, the stakes are high. Kentucky's coach, Mark Pope, acknowledged the challenge ahead, noting Auburn's strong home record of 9-3 at Neville Arena.
"They've beaten some of the best in our league, like Florida on the road and Arkansas," Pope remarked. "When they're on, they're really tough to beat."
Defensively, Auburn has had its challenges, ranking near the bottom in several categories, including points allowed per game (79.5) and field goal percentage defense (45.9%). Yet, Pope warns against underestimating their defense. "They switch things up, keep you guessing, and force you on your heels," he said.
Neither team is currently ranked in the USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll or the AP Top 25, making this matchup a battle of unranked squads. Kentucky, with a 17-9 record and 8-5 in the SEC, leads the all-time series against Auburn 98-24. Auburn, at 14-12 and 5-8 in the SEC, will look to close that gap.
Kentucky's Denzel Aberdeen Ready to Play
Kentucky's senior guard, Denzel Aberdeen, is set to play tonight. His participation was uncertain after he appeared on the SEC's availability report as "probable."
However, the final report confirmed his readiness just two hours before the 8:30 p.m. ET tipoff.
The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN, available to subscribers via TV-connected devices or online through WatchESPN. Streaming options are also available, with Fubo offering a free trial.
Betting Odds and Radio Coverage
Kentucky enters the game as a 2½-point underdog according to DraftKings, with the over/under set at 157½ points. The moneyline stands at Kentucky +130 and Auburn -155.
For those tuning in via radio, Tom Leach and Jack Givens will provide the call on the UK radio network, accessible on 840 AM in Louisville and both 630 AM and 98.1 FM in Lexington. Online streaming is available through UKAthletics.com.
As both teams aim to end their losing streaks, this matchup promises to deliver high-stakes action and a chance for redemption on the court.