Tigers Win! Gaston’s 29-Point, 10-Rebound Day Leads Auburn to Road Win at ULL
In a thrilling matchup at the Cajundome, Auburn University’s men’s basketball team secured a hard-fought 85-76 victory over the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns, powered by a standout performance from sophomore forward Jaylin Gaston. With an impressive 29-point, 10-rebound double-double, Gaston played a pivotal role in lifting the Tigers to their sixth win of the season.
The game was a tightly contested affair from the outset, with both teams trading blows throughout the first half. Louisiana, fueled by their home crowd, opened strong, showcasing a fast-paced offense that pushed Auburn’s defense to its limits. The Ragin’ Cajuns leaned on their sharpshooting guards to keep the game within reach, with several early three-pointers making it evident that Auburn needed to tighten up defensively. However, Auburn responded in kind, relying on their star player Gaston to lead the charge.
From the opening tip, Gaston demonstrated his ability to take over a game. His scoring came in a variety of ways, from smooth jump shots to finishing around the rim through traffic. His aggressive play in the post, along with his impeccable timing on rebounds, allowed the Tigers to control the glass and dictate the pace of the game. Auburn’s offense flowed through Gaston, who added assists to his stat line and constantly made plays to either score or create opportunities for his teammates.
Despite Gaston’s dominance, the game remained close, especially as Louisiana fought to stay within striking distance. Guard Jordan Brown led the Ragin’ Cajuns’ offense, contributing 22 points and five assists. Louisiana’s ability to stretch the floor and attack the basket kept Auburn on its toes, with the lead changing hands multiple times in the second half. The Ragin’ Cajuns looked poised to make a late run, but Auburn’s defense, led by Gaston and veteran guard Wendell Green Jr., proved to be the difference.
Green added 15 points and six assists to complement Gaston’s stellar performance. His timely shots and ability to control the tempo were crucial in ensuring Auburn maintained its lead in the final minutes. The Tigers’ defense was also key, as they limited Louisiana’s transition opportunities in the second half and forced crucial turnovers during the game’s closing stretch.
With just under three minutes left in the game and the Tigers clinging to a five-point lead, Gaston sealed the victory with a spectacular and-1 play in the paint. His powerful finish, followed by the successful free throw, extended Auburn’s lead to eight points, leaving Louisiana with little time to mount a comeback.
The win was a much-needed confidence booster for Auburn as they head into the tougher stretch of their schedule. Gaston’s dominant performance showed that the Tigers have a reliable go-to scorer in clutch moments, while their balanced offensive attack can outlast opponents over the course of the game. Head coach Bruce Pearl praised his team’s resilience, noting that the ability to come away with a road win against a talented and well-coached Louisiana squad was crucial for the Tigers’ growth this season.
With this victory, Auburn improves to 10-2 on the season, while Louisiana falls to 8-4. The Tigers will look to carry the momentum from this win into their upcoming matchup against SEC opponents, knowing that performances like Gaston’s are vital for their success moving forward.
