Auburn Is Headed To The Final Four After An Overtime Win Over Kentucky

Auburn’s incredible run over the last month will continue with the Tigers making a trip to Minneapolis for the Final Four. After winning the SEC Tournament to earn a fifth-seed in the NCAA Tournament, Auburn’s run to the Elite Eight led to a matchup with conference foe Kentucky for the third time this season.

Kentucky won both regular season meetings in conference play, but in Kansas City it was the Tigers that were able to follow the lead of their dynamic backcourt duo to the Final Four. The Tigers trailed by five at the half, but Bryce Brown caught fire in the early second half hitting a number of huge shots, en route to 24 points on the night.

For the Wildcats, it was P.J. Washington that kept them in it with 28 points and 13 points, producing a monster game when his team needed it — and reminding everyone why he’s a highly regarded prospect for the upcoming NBA Draft.

Down the stretch, Kentucky decided to take Brown completely out of the game, sending a double team at him any time he got the ball to force someone else for Auburn to step up into the void. Jared Harper answered that call to the tune of 26 points, hitting crucial shots and free throws in overtime, slicing through the Wildcats defense to get to the basket to score (and set up teammates).

Harper’s overtime heroics helped Auburn keep Kentucky at arms length throughout the extra period, and Auburn heads to its first Final Four appearance after a 77-71 win in Kansas City.