Auburn Ends 37-Year Drought at Rupp, Clinches SEC Title Share in Historic Win
Auburn men’s basketball made history Saturday afternoon, securing a monumental victory over Kentucky that ended a 37-year drought at Rupp Arena and guaranteed at least a share of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) title.
“This is obviously historic,” said Bruce Pearl in his postgame press conference. “Two wins and 31 losses in 33 tries. And for this one to be for a championship, it’s what we do it for—to make history.”
A Landmark Win
Saturday’s triumph marked just Auburn’s third-ever victory at Rupp Arena, but it was by far the most dominant, as the Tigers crushed the Wildcats 94-78. Their previous largest win in Lexington was an eight-point victory back in 1983.
The Tigers’ offensive explosion was fueled by a stellar performance from Miles Kelly, who dropped 30 points and nailed nine 3-pointers. Auburn’s big three of Kelly, Chad Baker-Mazara, and Tahaad Pettiford combined for an impressive 73 points, overwhelming Kentucky.
Pearl’s Postgame Humor
Pearl, always quick with a joke, revealed the witty remark he had prepared in case Auburn lost.
“My line was going to be: Every now and then, when y’all make a coaching change, my name comes up. But why in the world would you ever want me to be your coach when I can’t win in Rupp?” he said with a smile.
Pearl Ties Auburn Coaching Record
With this victory, Pearl is now tied with Sonny Smith for the most wins against Kentucky by an Auburn head coach, with seven victories.
Beyond the historical significance, the win also ensures Auburn will hang another championship banner, marking the program’s third SEC regular-season title under Pearl and its sixth overall.
“This is our fifth team in the last eight years that has won a regular season or tournament championship,” Pearl said. “So, I’m just super proud and super happy about that.”
Peter Rauterkus covers Auburn sports for AL.com. Follow him on X (@peter_rauterkus) or reach him at prauterkus@al.com.
