Auburn got past Kentucky 75-74 Saturday night on a put back basket in the closing seconds.
Kentucky fans, and Mark Pope, believe the Tigers (15-12, 6-8 SEC) were on the good side of some home cooking. A controversial foul call on Collin Chandler (see below) took the Wildcats from shooting free throws to get a big road win, to Auburn swinging the outcome.
Pope expressed serious frustration with the call after the game. Yes, he will likely earn a nice fine from the SEC office, which always rushes in to protect terrible officiating.
Unbelievable.
Collin Chandler does push off, but is held prior to the inbounds pass. Neither called 95%+ of the time in the final seconds.
Officials inserting themselves, affecting the outcome. pic.twitter.com/1vrHEA4VIo
— Tristan Pharis (@TristanUda) February 22, 2026
Otega Oweh led Kentucky (17-10, 8-6) with a career-high 29 points and 7 rebounds. Denzel Aberdeen added 15 points. Chandler chipped in 10.
The Cats head to South Carolina next in what might be considered a must win game to lock up a comfortable spot in the NCAA Tournament.
