King’s double-double of 20 points propels Ireland past the Tigers.

In a thrilling international basketball matchup, Ireland stunned Auburn with a commanding performance that ended in a 74-66 victory. A standout performance from King, who delivered a double-double with 20 points and 12 rebounds, was the difference-maker in what turned out to be a closely contested game. As the Tigers fought to keep pace throughout, Ireland’s well-executed strategy and King’s dominant presence in the paint secured the win, sending shockwaves through the basketball world.

While Auburn had come into the game as the favorites, the Irish squad, led by King’s stellar play, proved that they were a force to be reckoned with. The game, part of a series of exhibition matches to prepare both teams for upcoming competitive seasons, had an added layer of intrigue as both teams look to build momentum and sharpen their skills.

Here’s a closer look at how King’s double-double and Ireland’s team-oriented performance led to their victory, as well as what this loss means for Auburn as they look ahead to the rest of their season.

Auburn Tigers: Struggling with Consistency

Auburn, under head coach Bruce Pearl, has been a competitive force in college basketball in recent years, with high expectations for the 2025 season. The Tigers are known for their dynamic offense, sharp defense, and a roster full of athletic players capable of performing at the highest level. However, against Ireland, they were unable to fully execute their game plan, particularly when it came to defending the paint and securing rebounds.

Jabari Smith, Walker Kessler, and Wendell Green Jr., who have been key players for the Tigers, were expected to step up and control the game. Smith, who has been a standout scorer for Auburn, struggled against the physicality of Ireland’s defense, and Kessler, despite his impressive size and shot-blocking ability, was outworked on the boards by King and his teammates.

Auburn’s offensive struggles were compounded by Ireland’s efficient shooting, and the Tigers found themselves playing catch-up for much of the game. While Zep Jasper and Johni Broome did manage to contribute defensively and offensively, the team could not gain enough momentum to overcome Ireland’s lead.

Bruce Pearl will certainly have some soul-searching to do after this defeat, as his team’s inability to execute in critical moments was a theme throughout the game. Despite their talent, Auburn couldn’t seem to find their rhythm, especially in the second half when Ireland’s defense tightened and their offensive execution led to a flurry of points. Pearl will be hoping to use this loss as a learning opportunity for his players, focusing on areas like rebounding, defensive communication, and shot selection moving forward.

King’s Dominant Performance: A Game-Changer

While the game was a team effort from Ireland, the performance of King was the standout story of the night. The 6’9″ forward from Ireland’s national team delivered a dominant performance in both the scoring and rebounding departments, taking over when his team needed him most.

King’s 20 points came from a variety of different plays, showcasing his versatile scoring ability. He was a constant presence in the paint, capitalizing on Auburn’s inability to limit his positioning down low. Whether it was converting off offensive rebounds, finishing through contact, or knocking down mid-range jumpers, King proved to be a difficult matchup for Auburn’s defenders. His 12 rebounds were critical in giving Ireland extra possessions, particularly in the second half when the Tigers struggled to box out and secure boards.

Auburn had no answer for King’s physicality and basketball IQ. He worked seamlessly with his teammates, finding open looks and helping to orchestrate the offense. His leadership on the court was evident as he guided his team through difficult stretches of the game and made key plays when the Tigers began to close the gap. King’s work on the glass was particularly noticeable, as Auburn’s defense couldn’t contain his relentless pursuit of the ball. His double-double played a key role in Ireland dominating the rebounding battle, with the Irish finishing with a commanding 47-32 edge on the boards.

In addition to his scoring and rebounding, King was effective in defending Auburn’s frontcourt players, making it hard for them to establish a consistent inside presence. His ability to block shots and alter Auburn’s offensive rhythm was a game-changer. King’s performance will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the best individual showings of the season, and it solidified his status as one of the top international players to watch.

Ireland’s Balanced Attack: Teamwork Makes the Difference

While King was the primary scorer for Ireland, the team’s balanced offensive attack was another key factor in their victory. Ireland moved the ball efficiently, finding open shooters on the perimeter and creating easy scoring opportunities in transition. Ryan and Sullivan, two other key contributors for Ireland, were able to stretch the floor and score in a variety of ways, from knocking down three-pointers to finishing plays in the fast break.

Ireland’s ability to hit from deep was a critical part of their game plan. Ryan finished with 15 points, including three three-pointers, providing much-needed spacing for King in the post. This perimeter shooting kept Auburn’s defense on its toes, unable to collapse fully on King without leaving open looks for other players. The threat of Ireland’s outside shooting forced Auburn to extend its defense, opening up driving lanes and rebounding opportunities inside for King and others.

One of the defining features of Ireland’s performance was their team-first mentality. Rather than relying solely on one or two players to do everything, the team played unselfishly, with players constantly moving the ball and looking for the best shot. The fluid ball movement helped Ireland keep Auburn on the defensive for much of the game, forcing them into tough situations where they were out of position.

Moreover, Ireland’s defensive intensity was key to limiting Auburn’s offensive flow. While the Tigers are known for their ability to score in transition and with fast-break points, Ireland’s defense kept Auburn out of rhythm. Ireland’s ability to stifle Auburn’s transition game allowed them to dictate the pace, forcing the Tigers into half-court offense, where they were less comfortable.

Auburn’s Struggles: Areas for Improvement

For Auburn, this loss is more than just a disappointing result—it’s a wake-up call. There are several areas where the Tigers need to improve if they are to reach their full potential this season.

1. Rebounding

Auburn’s inability to secure defensive rebounds was arguably the biggest issue in this game. Ireland dominated the boards, particularly on the offensive end, where they grabbed several critical offensive rebounds that led to second-chance points. Auburn’s big men, like Kessler, will need to be more aggressive in securing rebounds, especially in key moments when games are tight. If they can’t dominate the glass, they will continue to struggle in games against teams with a strong inside presence like Ireland.

2. Defensive Matchups

Auburn struggled to contain King throughout the game. While Kessler’s size and shot-blocking ability should have been an advantage in this matchup, King’s agility and physicality overwhelmed him at times. Pearl will need to rethink his defensive schemes and develop more versatile matchups to handle players with King’s combination of size and skill. Auburn’s defense was too porous, allowing Ireland to execute their offense with precision.

3. Offensive Execution

While Auburn has several talented offensive players, they struggled to find a consistent rhythm against Ireland’s defense. Auburn’s guards, including Green Jr. and Jasper, were often out of sync, and the team struggled to move the ball with purpose. This lack of cohesion in their offensive sets allowed Ireland to close down Auburn’s offensive options and force the Tigers into contested shots.

Moving forward, Auburn needs to focus on improving their offensive flow and shot selection. They have the talent, but their inability to execute consistently in this game was a critical flaw. If they can improve in these areas, they will be more competitive against high-level teams like Ireland and other SEC opponents.