Auburn University’s men’s basketball team achieved a landmark victory by upsetting the 16th-ranked Florida Gators 76-67 on Saturday, January 24, 2026, in Gainesville, Florida. This win ends a 30-year drought for Auburn at Florida’s home court, dating back to 1996, and represents a significant upset over a defending national champion favored by double digits.
The Tigers seized control early with a stunning first-half performance, outscoring Florida 43-28. Keyshawn Hall was instrumental, scoring 22 of his 24 points in the first half, showcasing his versatility with shots from inside and beyond the arc. Auburn used runs of 7-0, 8-0, and 12-0 to build a 15-point halftime lead, demonstrating efficient offense and stifling defense against one of the nation’s top rebounding teams.
Florida, known for its physical play and home-court advantage, rallied in the second half, tying the game twice as they cut into Auburn’s lead. However, the Tigers responded with key plays, including a driving layup by Tahaad Pettiford with 4:24 left that pushed the lead to 62-56. Pettiford, despite being heckled by Florida fans, contributed 11 points and five rebounds, helping Auburn maintain its edge in the closing minutes.
Supporting cast members played crucial roles; KeShawn Murphy added 16 points and nine rebounds, while the team collectively outscored Florida 36-28 in the paint. Auburn’s defense limited Florida’s big men, Rueben Chinyelu and Alex Condon, to a combined 11 points and 16 rebounds, neutralizing a usual strength for the Gators.
For Florida, Thomas Haugh led with a double-double of 27 points and 10 rebounds, and Urban Klavzar added 12 points off the bench, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Auburn’s balanced attack. The loss snapped Florida’s five-game winning streak, their 16-game home winning streak, and their 15-game series winning streak against Auburn, underscoring the historic nature of this defeat.
The victory boosts Auburn’s record to 13-7 overall and 4-3 in the Southeastern Conference, enhancing their NCAA tournament resume. Florida falls to 14-6 and 5-2 in the SEC, facing increased competition in a tight conference race. Both teams look ahead to midweek games, with Auburn hosting Texas and Florida visiting South Carolina, which will test their resilience after this pivotal matchup.
This game held extra significance as both teams were participants in the 2025 Final Four, adding to the rivalry’s intensity. Auburn’s ability to win on the road against a ranked opponent signals their potential as a dark horse in the postseason, while Florida must regroup to defend their championship pedigree.
In conclusion, Auburn’s upset over Florida not only breaks a three-decade-long road losing streak but also reshapes the SEC landscape, highlighting the unpredictability of college sports. As the season progresses, this victory will be remembered as a turning point for the Tigers and a reminder of the Gators’ vulnerabilities in a competitive conference.
