AUBURN, Ala. – No. 1 Auburn unfurled a banner for its legendary former coach, agreed to a new contract with its legendary current coach and extended the nation's longest active win streak to 17, defeating Oklahoma 86-68 Saturday at Auburn Arena in the Big 12/SEC Challenge.
"Great atmosphere in Auburn Arena," Auburn coach Bruce Pearl said. "This Challenge matters. We got better tonight."
Jabari Smith and Walker Kessler combined for 44 points and 21 rebounds to lead the Tigers to their 40th consecutive non-conference home victory.
"How unselfish we are and how much we want to win," Smith said of the frontcourt's productivity. "Flow of the game, being back at home. We were really excited for this game knowing how we played at Missouri and wanting to bounce back."
Smith tallied his fourth double-double of the season with 23 points and 12 rebounds. Kessler added 21 points, nine rebounds and four blocks.
"We had an advantage on the front line, and we took advantage of it," Pearl said. "Jabari Smith and Walker Kessler were dominant. That was a key."
After Oklahoma pulled within three midway through the second half, Devan Cambridge grabbed two offensive rebounds and scored five points in eight seconds on a putback and three free throws to put Auburn ahead 55-47 with 11:55 remaining.
"He's a great defender and a great rebounder," Pearl said. "So many guys on the bench were starters last year. Devan's playing well."
"He's a freak athlete and he's got heart," Kessler said of Cambridge. "Getting those rebounds set the tone for our team. The reason we're so good is our bench and the depth we have."
Kessler's second 3-pointer ended a 4-0 Sooners run to make it 58-51, and the Tigers steadily pulled away down the stretch.
"My teammates really encouraged me to keep shooting," Kessler said. "Hats off to my teammates and coaching staff."
K.D. Johnson added 13 points, Dylan Cardwell scored eight points in 10 minutes, and Allen Flanigan led the Tigers with four assists. Cambridge scored seven points and grabbed five rebounds, four on the offensive end.
Auburn's last basket came when Cardwell's attempted alley-oop pass to Cambridge swished through the net.
"Devan Cambridge and Dylan Cardwell did really well off the bench," Pearl said.
The Tigers led 39-27 at the half with Kessler and Smith combining for 24 points in the first half. Kessler made his first six shots, including a 3-pointer, and grabbed seven rebounds to help Auburn outrebound the Sooners 21-12 in the half. The Tigers outrebounded Oklahoma 41-29 on the day.
"Rebounding is a big aspect," Smith said. "We don't win if we don't rebound."
Smith scored seven unanswered points to put the Tigers on top 18-9 midway through the half. The first of two Kessler 3-pointers extended Auburn's lead to 26-12.
Before the game, Auburn honored Sonny Smith by hanging a banner at Auburn Arena. Smith coached the Tigers from 1978-89, leading Auburn to five consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and the program's first Sweet 16 and Elite Eight trips.
Earlier Saturday, Director of Athletics Allen Greene announced that Pearl has agreed to a new 8-year contract that runs through 2030.
"It's been a great week." Pearl said. "I'm grateful that Auburn's administration stepped up and allowed us to stay for sure. It's been my desire the whole time. I've dug in, and Auburn has recognized and appreciated what we're doing. We're grateful and blessed beyond what we deserve."
The Tigers (20-1, 8-0) host Alabama Tuesday at 8 p.m. CT on ESPN, seeking to sweep the season series in a game that marks the midpoint of SEC play.
Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: @jeff_shearer
