Auburn Basketball pulled off a hard-fought win against NC State, and Assistant Coach Steven Pearl didn’t sugarcoat the team’s performance. In this intense postgame presser, Pearl praised the toughness of Keyshawn Hall and Kayo, who carried Auburn offensively, but made it clear — 20 turnovers won’t cut it against elite competition.

Pearl credited Auburn’s defense for saving the night, holding a KenPom Top 10 offense to its lowest point total of the season. He emphasized that the Tigers’ defensive switching and rebounding intensity were the key difference-makers down the stretch. Auburn may have been out-rebounded, but their rotations and physicality on ball screens kept NC State from finding rhythm late.

Keyshawn Hall’s 28 points and 10 rebounds, along with Kayo’s poise and efficiency, powered Auburn through an otherwise sloppy offensive showing. Pearl also highlighted strong defensive efforts from Todd and Phillip, noting Auburn’s progress in limiting transition scoring and second-chance points.

Looking ahead, Pearl admitted that the Tigers’ next test — Arizona — presents a different kind of challenge due to their size and offensive execution. Auburn’s defensive identity is clearly forming, but turnovers remain the biggest obstacle between this team and true dominance.

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