KenPom predicts winner of Friday’s game between Auburn and Arizona

Auburn basketball will get an early test Friday night when they host No. 12 Arizona at Neville Arena.

The Tigers have won 69 consecutive games in Neville Arena against nonconference opponents. If the streak remains alive on Friday, Arizona would be Auburn’s highest-ranked win in that stretch.

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KenPom gives Auburn a 55% chance to beat the Wildcats on Friday, with a projected score of 80-78. That would be a statement win for head coach Steven Pearl in his second season leading Auburn and could lead to a top 25 ranking next week.

Arizona ranks No. 12 in the latest KenPom update; Auburn ranks No. 21.

The Wildcats are looking to repeat the success of last season by returning to the Final Four. They opened the season with an 84-75 loss to No. 22 UCLA, but responded with wins over Cal Poly and Northern Arizona. Arizona returns forward Ivan Kharchenkov and center Motiejus Krivas. They also feature freshman point guard Caleb Holt, whom the Tigers recruited before he committed to the Wildcats.

Last season, Auburn lost to Arizona 97-68 on the road. Tahaad Pettiford was Auburn’s lone bright spot, scoring 30 points. The Tigers’ front court struggled, which led to the defeat.

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An important factor for Auburn will be the play of Narcisse Ngoy and Bukky Oboye at center. If they play well, the Tigers have a good chance at winning.

The Tigers and Wildcats tip off at 8 p.m. CT on Friday. The game will air live on ESPN 2.

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Photos: Auburn basketball trounces Appalachian State

Aubie leads out his team as Auburn Tigers take on Appalachian State Mountaineers at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Monday, Nov. 9, 2026.

(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)

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Photos: Auburn basketball trounces Appalachian State

Aubie leads out his team as Auburn Tigers take on Appalachian State Mountaineers at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Monday, Nov. 9, 2026.

(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)

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Photos: Auburn basketball trounces…

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Publish date : 2026-11-13 21:01:00

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