Key stats that defined Auburn's March Madness win over Creighton
Auburn basketball took out Creighton in Saturday's second round March Madness game, 82-70, which was a refreshing sight to see for Auburn coaches and fans.
Auburn entered Saturday's game winning just two of its last five games and failing to play with as much energy as it had for most of the season. Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl challenged his team to find its spark during Friday's practice, which paid off as Pearl told reporters that his team played like the No. 1 team in the nation on Saturday.
"We talked a little bit about game one and not giving the kind of effort and energy that was required and, you know, not really trusting one another, sharing it, and the sacrifices that need to be made. Tonight we put all that behind us and the guys did a phenomenal job on both ends of the floor," Pearl said postgame.
Auburn freshman Tahaad Pettiford played lights out on Saturday by scoring a team-leading 23 points with six rebounds and three assists. His performance was vital to Auburn's success, but many other factors led the Tigers to a Sweet 16 berth.
Here are five key stats that defined Auburn's NCAA Tournament win over Creighton on Saturday.
Auburn wins the free throw battle
Auburn's struggles at the free throw line have headlined their recent struggles. Prior to the NCAA Tournament second round game with Creighton, Auburn failed to connect on at least 70% of its free throw tries in four-straight games. Auburn hopped off the saddle Saturday by connecting on 71% of its tries, outshowing Creighton who shot 62% from the stripe.
Denver Jones was a perfect 3-for-3 from the free throw line while Tahaad Pettiford shot 87% (7-of-8) and Chad Baker-Mazara shot 75% (3-of-4).
Bench play is key
On paper, Auburn held a clear depth advantage over Creighton heading into the game. Auburn outscored Creighton, 31-10, in bench points on Saturday led by Tahaad Pettiford's massive 23-point day. Chaney Johnson followed suit by scoring eight points by going 4-for-6 from the field. Fedor Zugic carried the load for Creighton by scoring all 10 bench points with two rebounds and three assists. Seven players came off the bench for Creighton, but only Frederick King (one rebound) and Isaac Traudt (one assists) supported Zugic in bench production.
Auburn made the most of second opportunities
Auburn out-rebounded Creighton, 37-27, which included an impressive 11-4 advantage on offense. The Tigers made the most of their free opportunities by scoring 19 second-chance points compared to the Blue Jays' four.
Although he did not have the best night scoring, Johni Broome led the team with five offensive boards as part of his 12-rebound performance.
Auburn seals win with plenty of time remaining
Auburn's Chad Baker-Mazara connected on a free throw with 14:03 remaining in the game to push Auburn ahead, 51-50. From that moment on, Auburn refused to yield the lead back to Creighton and would outscore the Blue Jays, 31-20 over that time frame to secure the win.
Chad Baker-Mazara answers the call
Associate head coach Steven Pearl criticized star players Johni Broome and Chad Baker-Mazara after Thursday's NCAA Tournament opener over Alabama State due to lack of effort. Baker-Mazara responded by scoring 17 points with two rebounds and one assist. Baker-Mazara was limited to just 21 minutes of action due to an injury, but he exited the game by leading all Tiger starters in points.
This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Auburn basketball Creighton March Madness key stats
Topics
-
Auburn's Tahaad Pettiford steps up in March Madness win over Creighton
Auburn freshman guard Tahaad Pettiford has played well for the Tigers in the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament.Yahoo Sports - 1d -
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 - 4d -
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 - 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 - 2d -
Key stats that defined Wisconsin's NCAA Tournament win over Montana
Wisconsin beat Montana 85-66. Here's the stats that defined the victory.Yahoo Sports - 4d -
How to watch Auburn vs Creighton today: Time, TV channel for March Madness
It's Auburn vs. Creighton in round two of March Madness. Here's a look at how you can watch and stream today's game.Yahoo Sports - 2d -
Bryant scores 17 and leads No. 8 Illinois to 1st March Madness win in 25 years over No. 9 Creighton
Genesis Bryant scored 17 points and No. 8 Illinois earned its first NCAA Tournament victory in 25 years Saturday night with a 66-57 win over No. 9 Creighton. Illinois' tough defense frustrated ...Yahoo Sports - 2d -
March Madness 2025: How to watch the Auburn vs. Creighton NCAA tournament game tonight
Auburn and Creighton will meet in the NCAA Tournament— here's the scoop on how to watch tonight's second round game.Yahoo Sports - 2d -
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 - 2d
More from Yahoo Sports
-
Josh Pastner agrees to become UNLV's coach, AP sources say
Former Georgia Tech and Memphis coach Josh Pastner has agreed to take over UNLV's program, two people with knowledge of the hiring process told The Associated Press on Monday night. Pastner takes ...Yahoo Sports - 13m -
Arizona Cardinals land nation's top pass rusher in new mock draft
PFF's new mock draft has the Cardinals landing Marshall pass rusher Mike Green.Yahoo Sports - 16m -
NFL insider doesn't dance around possibility of Brock Purdy contract extension
Albert Breer doesn't seem to have many questions about the San Francisco 49ers intentions with Brock Purdy's contract extension.Yahoo Sports - 19m -
Napoli Not Too Concerned About Swirling Conte Rumours
Antonio Conte has been linked to a few sides that will likely need a new coach in the summer, but Napoli aren’t worried about the rumors. They believe the gaffer will stay put and won’t change his...Yahoo Sports - 20m -
JuJu Watkins injury replacements: Who could fill void if USC star misses playing time?
USC star JuJu Watkins injured her knee during a March Madness matchup with Mississippi State. If she misses time, who could replace her?Yahoo Sports - 22m
More in Sports
-
USC advances but sees injured Watkins carried off
USC star JuJu Watkins was carried off the floor just five minutes into the Trojans' second-round game Monday against Mississippi State with an apparent right knee injury.ESPN - 8m -
2025 Women's March Madness schedule, scores: Games, dates, locations, tip times, TV channels, bracket
Texas, LSU, UConn and USC dominated their way to the Sweet 16, while Maryland beat Alabama in a game for the agesCBS Sports - 11m -
Retirement plan: Rams' Nacua aims to quit at 30
Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua wants to retire at 30. The 23-year-old said he'd like to follow a path similar to that of future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald, who retired at 33 after 10 years in the NFL.ESPN - 12m -
Terps 'never gave up,' seal Sweet 16 bid in 2OT
Sarah Te-Biasu made a tying 3-pointer in the fourth quarter, then scored eight of her 26 points in the second overtime to help fourth-seeded Maryland outlast fifth-seeded Alabama 111-108 on Monday ...ESPN - 12m -
Ward to Titans GM at pro day: 'Solidifying' top pick
Quarterback Cam Ward believes he solidified himself as the top pick in the 2025 NFL draft after throwing at Miami's pro day Monday.ESPN - 12m