The University of Arizona men’s basketball team will take on No. 20 Auburn University on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 8 p.m. in McKale Center. The Wildcats look to extend their current 7-0 record with a win over another ranked competitor.
History vs. Auburn
The Wildcats are currently 0-2 against the Tigers. Their games span over 30 years, with the two program’s first meeting coming in 1986, where Arizona fell 73-63. The most recent matchup in 2018 was in Hawaii where the Wildcats lost 73-57. Notably, both games were played in neutral sites. As coaches, players and rules have changed over the years, it will be a competitive upcoming game for the two ranked programs.
Tigers to watch
Auburn is currently 7-2 on the season, having recently fallen to the University of Michigan with a 30-point deficit. Leading the Tigers this season is Steven Pearl in his first season as head coach. Pearl spent the last 11 seasons with the team in various positions as an assistant coach, associate head coach and defensive coordinator.
Keyshawn Hall, a 6-foot-7 senior forward, currently rides the top of the leaderboard in both points and rebounds, averaging 21.8 points and 9.1 boards per game. Hall transferred in from the University of Central Florida where he was named All Big-12 Second Team. He has stepped into a leading role for the Tigers this season, making notable efforts all across the court.
However, Hall suffered an ankle injury in Auburn’s loss against the University of Houston earlier this season and has yet to be seen in a game since. While there is no firm return date for Hall, it’s up in the air whether he will be able to be a dominating player for the Tigers against Arizona in this upcoming game.
Behind Hall on the statline is Tahaad Pettiford, a sophomore guard in his second year with the Tigers. As a freshman, Pettiford was honored on the 2024 SEC All-Freshman Team along with the NABC Division I All-Southeast District Second Team. He was also one of two players to record over 100 assists in the 2024-2025 season, collecting 113 himself.
As a sophomore, Pettiford averages 14.1 points per game and 2.8 boards per game. He’s collected 25 assists on the season, paired with 10 blocks and steals each. Pettiford has served as an all-arounder for the Tigers this season, especially when lacking Hall in crucial matchups.
Wildcats to watch
Arizona has earned an impressive start to their season after defeating the reigning national champions, University of Florida, in their first game of the season. Tommy Lloyd, fifth season head coach, is celebrated for his decorated career with the program, making fans look forward to what this year’s team can do on both a local and national level.
The young talent on this year’s Wildcat team is exceptional, including five-star recruit Koa Peat. As a 6-foot-8 forward, Peat has put up the most points of any Wildcat this season, averaging 15.6 points per game and recorded a season high of 30 points in his first collegiate game against the University of Florida. He’s served as a key playmaker for Arizona in the paint.
On top of his offensive efforts, Peat averages 5.7 boards per game, often getting put-back shots to secure easy 2-pointers. Lloyd utilizes his size and youth on this year’s roster, making Peat a key player this season.
While the younger players are filling big shoes, the seniors on the team are keeping things consistent. Senior forward Tobe Awaka remains at the top of the board for rebounds with a season high of 18 against Utah Tech University earlier this season. On average, Awaka grabs 10.4 boards per game.
Awaka contributions to the scoreboard are impactful as well, putting up a 9.9 points per game average. He has been seen rotating in and out of play with other strong forwards, creating depth and stability in Arizona’s roster.
Follow the Daily Wildcat on Instagram and Twitter/X
