The Cats led 39-35 at halftime on the strength of a 7-0 scoring spurt over the final minutes of the half. Mark Pope’s group relied on defense to build a rare halftime lead against quality opposition: Auburn made only two field goals, both dunks, over the final 10:15 of the first half.

Colin Chandler's late foul gave Auburn new life, and Elyjah Freeman capitalized with a game-winning layup at Neville Arena.

KeShawn Murphy totaled 25 points and 10 rebounds, and Elyjah Freeman tipped in a miss with 1.4 seconds left as Auburn ended a five-game losing streak by handing Kentucky a third straight loss, winning 75-74.

Auburn basketball is on a five-game losing streak, but KenPom projects the Tigers to keep NCAA Tournament hopes alive with a few more wins.

It made unwanted history for Kentucky (17-10, 8-6 SEC) and coach Mark Pope: Saturday marked the team's third straight loss. It's the first time under Pope, in his second season at his alma mater, that the program has dropped three consecutive contests.

Auburn basketball needed another comeback to keep its longest win streak of the season alive, but it couldn't find it in a loss to Tennessee.

Auburn basketball faces Kentucky on Saturday. Find out where to watch the game, including TV channel, streaming options, and start time.

Auburn's NCAA tournament chances are fading with three Quad II games remaining on the schedule. A loss to Kentucky on Saturday could push Auburn toward the NIT instead.