Auburn basketball got solid production from many players in its 92-59 season-opening win over Southeastern Louisiana on Wednesday. One of those was Utah State transfer Kolby King.
King played just 15 minutes off the bench, but was a valuable piece for the Tigers. He finished tied for second in points with Kevin Overton (12) and plus-24 thanks to seven rebounds, two steals, and four made free throws. King said postgame that he was thankful for the opportunity to show Auburn fans what kind of player he is.
“When I came off the bench, I felt like what I have been doing my whole career," King said postgame. "Just play like what the team needs the most, and I feel like that's the type of impact I have.”
King is just one of several players who made an
impact in Wednesday's game. Here are the Tigers of the Game from Auburn's win over Southeastern Louisiana.
Taylor Jones: Narcisse Ngoy
Ngoy did everything a big man should on Wednesday by logging nine rebounds, blocking two shots, and scoring 10 points, going 4-for-6 from short range. He accomplished those stats by playing just 19 minutes in the Tigers' win.
Phillip Jordan: Tahaad Pettiford
Tahaad Pettiford proved Wednesday that "it does not matter how you start; it is how you finish."
Pettiford missed his first eight shots but went on to lead the team with 18 points. His dunk at the 7:54 mark in the 1st half kickstarted his offensive success, which included a half-court shot as time expired in the 1st half.
TAHAAD PETTIFORD, OMG‼️
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) November 5, 2026
Neville Arena is ROCKIN'🔥 pic.twitter.com/7znUfDzQQw
Jac Myrick: Kolby King
Kolby King was a consistent player for Auburn on Wednesday despite his short time on the floor. In 15 minutes off the bench, King scored 12 points, tying Kevin Overton for the second-most points behind Pettiford. He distributed his points nearly evenly by scoring seven points in the 1st half and five in the 2nd, going 3-for-4 from the field.
Fan vote: Tahaad Pettiford
Auburn fans have spoken, and they have chosen Tahaad Pettiford as the "Tiger of the Game" in Auburn's 92-59 win over Southeastern Louisiana. He received 67% of the vote, beating Kolby King, Bukky Oboye, and Kevin Overton for the honor. To have a say in who wins Tiger of the Game next, visit Auburn Wire on X to cast your vote.
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This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Tigers of the Game: Kolby King increases value in Auburn's season-opener
