Auburn's Tahaad Pettiford steps up in March Madness win over Creighton
The rest of the country is beginning to find out what Auburn fans have known all season. They are learning that freshman guard Tahaad Pettiford is a big game player, and a big shot maker. He has bounced back after a poor showing in the SEC Tournament by scoring a combined 39 points in the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament. After scoring 16 points versus Alabama State, he led the Tigers with 23 points in their 82-70 win over Creighton in the second round.
Against the Blue Jays, Pettiford was 7-of-14 and had six rebounds. He had a big basket in the first half on an offensive rebound after a failed three-point attempt by Johni Broome. After the game Pettiford spoke to the media, and he was asked about his performance. “Just playing the offense. We knew the shots that we were going to get, just getting in the gym and working on those types of shots and being ready for the situation,” Pettiford said. “My guys helped me get the ball, get me open and helped me find the shots that I wanted to get.”
Pettiford scored his first basket of the game with 13:57 in the first half when he hit a three. Auburn was down 12-10 to Creighton, and it was a big shot early in the game. He scored just seven points in the first half, and the Tigers trailed 37-35 going into halftime. Pettiford scored 16 points in the second half. His first basket of the second half was a three-pointer that gave Auburn a 48-45 lead with 15 minutes left to play.
To start the second half, Chad Baker-Mazara looked to get more involved offensively. He scored 12 of his 17 points in the second half before leaving the game due to a hip injury. That injury occurred with 13:32 left in the game. He tried to return to the game but was noticeably hurt. Pettiford knew he had to step up. He did so scoring 13 points after the Baker-Mazara injury.
“Definitely losing a guy like Chad, he's playing so well, he's a big part of this team. Seeing him go down, everybody knew they had to step up and do what they had to do to get the win,” Pettiford said. With 8:21 remaining and Auburn leading 62-54, Pettiford hit a jumper to give the Tigers a ten-point lead. Pettiford was also big from the free throw line going seven for eight.
The Auburn Tigers will now get a much-needed rest to get Baker-Mazara and others healthy before their Sweet 16 matchup against Michigan on Friday in Atlanta. The broadcast network and time is yet to be announced.
This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Auburn's Tahaad Pettiford shines in March Madness win over Creighton
| 2d 5:25 PM ET ago |
Topics
-
Key stats that defined Auburn's March Madness win over Creighton
Freshman Tahaad Pettiford had a game to remember in Auburn's win over Creighton. What other factors led to the win?Yahoo Sports - 2d -
Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl breaks down first round March Madness win over Alabama State
Pearl discussed Auburn's free throw woes, the play of Tahaad Pettiford, and their formidable first round opponent.Yahoo Sports - 5d -
2025 March Madness scores, winners and losers: Auburn's Tahaad Pettiford steps up, BYU holds off Wisconsin
We didn't get the usual Round 1 upsets, but Saturday's second-round action was terrific — and bracket-busting, tooCBS Sports - 3d -
Auburn basketball runs away from Creighton in March Madness, advances to NCAA Sweet 16
Pettiford scored 23 points as Auburn basketball beat Creighton in second round of March Madness bracket. The Tigers face Michigan next in the Sweet 16Yahoo Sports - 3d -
ESPN predicts Auburn vs. Creighton winner in March Madness second round
The Auburn Tigers are looking to make it out of the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament by defeating Creighton. ESPN gives their prediction.Yahoo Sports - 3d -
Auburn vs. Creighton odds, March Madness predictions: 2025 NCAA Tournament picks from proven simulation
The SportsLine Projection Model has revealed its Creighton Bluejays vs. Auburn Tigers picks for the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament on SaturdayCBS Sports - 3d -
Auburn vs Alabama State prediction: Who has edge in 2025 NCAA Tournament first round?
It’s the Auburn Tigers vs Alabama State Hornets in the March Madness bracket. Here’s our prediction, pick for the 2025 NCAA Tournament basketball gameYahoo Sports - 6d -
Creighton vs. Auburn Prediction: Odds, Expert Picks, Betting Trends, and Stats for 2025 March Madness Round 2
Creighton Bluejays vs. Auburn Tigers Game PreviewYahoo Sports - 4d -
Auburn vs. Alabama State odds, March Madness predictions: 2025 NCAA Tournament picks from proven model
The SportsLine Projection Model has revealed its Alabama State Hornets vs. Auburn Tigers picks for the first round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament on ThursdayCBS Sports - 5d
More from Yahoo Sports
-
Real Madrid secure future of defensive revelation until 2029 with blockbuster renewal
In a surprising turn of events, it has been revealed by MARCA that Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio has already finalized a contract renewal with the club, securing his future until 2029. His new ...Yahoo Sports - 29m -
Oregon State Baseball: Beavers Take Down Huskies 5-2
MORE: Nate Kingz Entering Portal | Rataj & Craig Entering Portal | Preview: Beavers vs Huskies | Beaver Baseball Ranks | Reser Files: Scouting Report DL Noah Tishendorf | Who Could Be OSU's Next ...Yahoo Sports - 31m -
Photos: Best images from Thunder's 121-105 win over Kings
The best photos from the Oklahoma City Thunder's 121-105 win over the Sacramento Kings.Yahoo Sports - 39m -
Real Madrid players handed €250k bonus after Atletico Madrid win in UCL
Real Madrid’s thrilling victory over arch-rivals Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 is still fresh on memory of football fans across the globe.The controversial match became a ...Yahoo Sports - 49m -
Manchester United back in contention for in-form Udinese star Oumar Solet
Manchester United could do with defensive reinforcements with multiple centre-backs expected to depart once the current season concludes.Both Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof will become free agents ...Yahoo Sports - 49m
More in Sports
-
Real Madrid secure future of defensive revelation until 2029 with blockbuster renewal
In a surprising turn of events, it has been revealed by MARCA that Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio has already finalized a contract renewal with the club, securing his future until 2029. His new ...Yahoo Sports - 29m -
Oregon State Baseball: Beavers Take Down Huskies 5-2
MORE: Nate Kingz Entering Portal | Rataj & Craig Entering Portal | Preview: Beavers vs Huskies | Beaver Baseball Ranks | Reser Files: Scouting Report DL Noah Tishendorf | Who Could Be OSU's Next ...Yahoo Sports - 31m -
Photos: Best images from Thunder's 121-105 win over Kings
The best photos from the Oklahoma City Thunder's 121-105 win over the Sacramento Kings.Yahoo Sports - 39m -
Real Madrid players handed €250k bonus after Atletico Madrid win in UCL
Real Madrid’s thrilling victory over arch-rivals Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 is still fresh on memory of football fans across the globe.The controversial match became a ...Yahoo Sports - 49m -
Manchester United back in contention for in-form Udinese star Oumar Solet
Manchester United could do with defensive reinforcements with multiple centre-backs expected to depart once the current season concludes.Both Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof will become free agents ...Yahoo Sports - 49m