The 20th-ranked Auburn Tigers opened the season with a 95-90 overtime win over Bethune-Cookman in Steven Pearl’s coaching debut Monday night.
While it was a moment of celebration for Bruce Pearl's son, the end was too close for comfort. A three-shot foul by Elyjah Freeman on Arterio Morris' half-court try at the end of regulation was a critical mistake. Morris hit all three free throws to force overtime tied at 81.
Pearl even took a shot at former Auburn football coach Hugh Freeze during his postgame remarks while describing how the opener was for him.
“I know Auburn fans are being tired of being told to be patient, so, we're gonna get our asses to work." Freeze was fired by the university after a 4-5 record on the season and asked for more time in the process.
Steven Pearl, after Auburn’s overtime win, with a joke related to Hugh Freeze
— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace_) November 4, 2025
“I know Auburn fans are being tired of being told to be patient, so, we're gonna get our asses to work"
Followed by a “You’re close, Steven” 🎥 @Julianna_Reich pic.twitter.com/YD84gvAc72
Keyshawn Hall took control, scoring half of Auburn’s 14 points in the extra period. He led the Tigers with 28 points on the night. KeShawn Murphy added 17 points, eight rebounds and four assists for Auburn, which extended its non-conference winning streak to 61 games. The 6-foot-10 Mississippi State transfer provided a crucial boost inside after recovering from a knee injury.
Quentin Heady led Bethune-Cookman with 21 points, while Morris added 20 points and 10 rebounds.
The game featured 31 lead changes and a wide free-throw disparity, as Auburn shot 27-for-38 from the line to the Wildcats’ 8-for-9.
Auburn will face Merrimack on Thursday night.
More college basketball news:
- Rick Pitino reacts to St. John’s opening win
- Ohio State loses point guard commitment
- AJ Dybansta makes debut for BYU
- Jalen Rose on TNT college basketball coverage