Tigers erupt from deep in second half at Neville Arena as Kevin Overton and Elyjah Freeman fuel postseason push; Nevada awaits in high-stakes quarterfinal matchup
Guard Kevin Overton delivered a standout performance, leading Auburn with 23 points—his fifth 20-point outing in March—while Elyjah Freeman added 19 points and seven rebounds in a full 40-minute effort. The duo combined for eight 3-pointers, including a decisive stretch after halftime that helped Auburn maintain control down the stretch.
“I want to thank our fans that came out tonight. Our guys felt their presence,” Auburn head coach Steven Pearl said. “To score 91 points against that team is good. As the game went on, guys made shots.”
After a sluggish start from beyond the arc—just 2-of-13 in the first half—Auburn found its rhythm early in the second. Overton and Freeman spearheaded a sharp turnaround, combining to shoot 7-of-9 from 3-point range after intermission. The offensive efficiency proved critical against a Seattle U defense ranked among the nation’s top 25 in scoring defense.
The Tigers (19-16) showcased a balanced offensive attack and dominance on the glass, outrebounding the Redhawks 41–23 while allowing just one offensive rebound. Forward Keyshawn Hall anchored that effort with 15 rebounds, along with nine points and a team-high five assists, providing a physical presence that tilted the game in Auburn’s favor.
Sebastian Williams-Adams turned in one of the most efficient performances of the night, scoring 15 points on a perfect 6-of-6 shooting from the field and adding three assists and two steals. Filip Jovic also contributed 12 points, helping Auburn place five players in double figures.
“We did a good job of making the easy pass and getting downhill,” Pearl said. “We shared it. We did a lot of good things offensively that we can build off.”
Auburn seized control midway through the first half, fueled by an 11-0 run highlighted by Williams-Adams’ defensive pressure and transition scoring. The Tigers carried a 42–31 lead into halftime and quickly extended it after the break, reaching 66 points within the first 30 minutes—matching Seattle U’s season average allowed.
Despite a late push from Seattle U (21-14), led by Brayden Maldonado’s game-high 25 points and seven made 3-pointers, Auburn maintained composure in the closing minutes to secure the win.
The victory sets up a pivotal quarterfinal matchup as Auburn hosts Nevada (24-12) on Wednesday night, with a trip to Indianapolis and the NIT semifinals on the line.
With offensive momentum building and contributions coming from across the roster, Auburn appears to be peaking at the right time—just as the stakes intensify in postseason play.
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-- By Masakela P. Rawls
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