Auburn’s KenPom Leap After NC State Win: What It Means for the Season Ahead

Auburn’s hardwood heroes really showed up big in this year’s ACC/SEC Challenge, turning heads by besting NC State 83-73 on home turf Wednesday night. That win didn’t just add a notch on their belt—it nudged the SEC to a 9-7 lead in this fiercely competitive showdown, giving fans plenty to cheer about. The Tigers were on fire, drilling 59% of their shots, with Kevin Overton dropping a scorching 29 points—nailing every free throw along the way—and Keyshawn Hall stepping up with a 28-point, 10-rebound double-double, flawless from the line himself. Yet, it wasn’t all smooth sailing; the team’s ball control wobbled with 20 turnovers, a glaring hitch that they’ll need to tighten before heading west to face a tough No. 3 Arizona squad. Curious how Auburn stacks up in KenPom’s rankings after this crucial win? Let’s dive into the numbers and see what this means for the Tigers’ season trajectory. LEARN MORE

Auburn basketball aided their home conference in this year’s ACC/SEC Challenge by taking down NC State on Wednesday, 83-73. The win helped push the SEC to a 9-7 advantage in this year’s event.

Auburn connected on 59% of its shots in the win, with Kevin Overton’s 29-point effort leading the way. Overton shot 8-of-13 in the game and was a perfect 7-of-7 from the free-throw line. Keyshawn Hall also performed at a high level by scoring 28 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Like Overton, Hall did not miss at the stripe, shooting 5-of-5.

Although Auburn found success shooting the basketball, they struggled to control the ball, committing 20 turnovers. It is an area that needs correcting before traveling to No. 3 Arizona on Saturday night. Here is a look at where Auburn lands in the KenPom after beating NC State on Wednesday.

Overall: No. 20

Dec 3, 2025; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers forward Sebastian Williams-Adams (33) is blocked by NC State Wolfpack guard Matt Able (3) during the second half at Neville Arena. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images

Auburn moves up two spots to No. 20 after beating NC State on Wednesday. The Tigers have a NET score of +21.44, which is sixth-best in the SEC.

Offensive efficiency: No. 12

Dec 3, 2025; Auburn, Alabama, USA; NC State Wolfpack guard Alyn Breed (7) blocks Auburn Tigers forward Keshawn Murphy (3) during the first half fat Neville Arena. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images

Auburn falls two spots to No. 12 in offensive efficiency after Wednesday’s game, despite losing just a tenth of a point in its rating. Auburn is projected to score 122.3 points per 100 possessions, which is the third-highest in the SEC behind Vanderbilt and Alabama.

Adjusted defensive efficiency: No. 61

Dec 3, 2025; Auburn, Alabama, USA; NC State Wolfpack forward Ven-Allen Lubin (22) shoots over Auburn Tigers forward Filip Jovic (38) during the first half at Neville Arena. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images

Auburn continues to improve defensively, advancing 11 spots in the KenPom to No. 61 with a 100.9 rating. In Wednesday’s win over NC State, Auburn allowed 73 points and forced the Wolfpack to shoot 41% from the field and 33% from the three-point line. The Tigers also dominated the boards by reeling in 30 defensive rebounds.

Adjusted tempo: No. 197

NC State Wolfpack guard Quadir Copeland (11) pokes the ball away from Auburn Tigers guard Kaden Magwood (5) as Auburn Tigers take on NC State Wolfpack at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025. Auburn Tigers defeated NC State Wolfpack 83-73.

Auburn continues to ride the middle of the road in tempo. According to KenPom, the Tigers are destined to record 68.4 possessions per game. In Wednesday’s game against NC State, Auburn scored 83 points on 66 possessions.

Strength of schedule: No. 52

Auburn Tigers guard Kevin Overton (1) hugs head coach Steven Pearl after the game as Auburn Tigers take on NC State Wolfpack at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025. Auburn Tigers defeated NC State Wolfpack 83-73.

Auburn’s strength of schedule has intensified following the game with NC State and will become even tougher as December continues, with games against Arizona and Purdue on the horizon. Auburn’s opponents have a combined offensive rating of 110.4 (No. 72 in the nation) and a defensive efficiency rating of 104.3 (No. 55).

Arizona overview

Nov 24, 2025; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Ivan Kharchenkov (8) dribbles the ball during the second half of the game against the Denver Pioneers at McKale Memorial Center. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

The No. 3 Arizona Wildcats rank No. 6 in the NET heading into Thursday, which will provide Auburn with another Quad-1 opportunity. Here’s a look at where the Wildcats rank in the major categories measured by KenPom.

Overall: No. 8
Adjusted offensive efficiency: No. 10 (122.6)
Adjusted defensive efficiency: No. 12 (94.5)
Adjusted tempo: No. 47 (71.5)
Strength of schedule: No. 112

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