Takeaways from Auburn basketball’s NCAA tournament loss to Houston

The Tigers watch 10 point halftime lead vanish as their dance comes to an end.

The Auburn Tigers fell to the NCAA Tournament favorites Saturday night. Auburn led by 10 at halftime, but missed free throws and stagnant offense got them in the 2nd half. The Tigers showed they had what it takes to play with the best teams all year, but struggled to close games and felt like they were an offensive piece away. Auburn basketball will come back stronger next year. Here are a few takeaways from tonight’s game.

Free throws

Auburn went 19-of-36 from the foul line. That's 17 missed free throws. Auburn lost by 17.

Embarrassing way to lose a game.

Chip on the shoulder

This is Auburn basketball, playing hard like everyone is against you. Auburn dominated the first half, and led Houston at the break by 10. The Tigers looked like veterans out there. They looked confident. They played like they have been capable of playing and showed that they belong on the floor with the best.

The SEC has been dominate

The Southeastern Conference has multiple teams still dancing in March. It has been a down year in college basketball, and the SEC isn’t as strong as it was last year. However, it may be less a down year for the SEC than any other conference. The Big 12 has had a good year, but Arkansas took down Kansas to advance to the Sweet 16. The Vols defeated Duke today and will keep dancing. Kentucky as well as the bloody tide are still alive. The SEC is becoming a premier conference in college basketball.

Tre Donaldson

What a tournament for the freshman. Donaldson has looked talented but timid this year. He seems to have shed the timid lately. Donaldson has had an amazing tournament. He hit his first 5 three pointers across the first two games. He found some confidence on offense, and is really showing his potential value to the Tigers future.

Finally, here are some twitter reactions and highlights from tonight’s game

Auburn HC Bruce Pearl on SG K.D. Johnson: "He giveth, and he taketh away. And he's been giveth-ing more recently."

— Justin Ferguson (@JFergusonAU) March 17, 2023

CAUSE OF DEATH: MISSED FREE THROWS pic.twitter.com/mTZPNDAl1K

— 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫_𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫 🐯 (@barner_burner) March 19, 2023

Don't look now, but there's another 1-seed locked in a battle 👀#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/5c4TB5XPW1

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 19, 2023

Me rn pic.twitter.com/iNrWDH8XY9

— Jabari Smith Jr (@jabarismithjr) March 19, 2023

We hooping today 🔥

— JARED HARPER🍷™ (@Therealvinoo) March 19, 2023

On 🔝 at the half! #WarEagle | @ChickfilA pic.twitter.com/0BAZGeqwIi

— Auburn Basketball (@AuburnMBB) March 19, 2023