Auburn Coach Steven Pearl Names Key Player Behind NIT Bid Decision
Auburn heads into the NIT semifinals against Illinois State on Thursday night. A victory sends the Tigers to the championship game Sunday in Indianapolis.
Auburn coach Steven Pearl publicly credited Keyshawn Hall for galvanizing the team after the NCAA Tournament snub. Pearl named Hall a key player in the team’s decision to embrace the NIT bid and continue competing. Hall’s vocal leadership helped shift the locker room mindset toward the postseason opportunity.
Keyshawn Hall’s postseason performance
Hall moved into seventh on Auburn’s single-season scoring list after the quarterfinal win over Nevada. He scored 14 points in that 75-69 victory and now has 659 points this season. He sits ten points behind Johni Broome for sixth place.
That Nevada outing was Hall’s 32nd game with double-digit scoring this year. Coach Pearl praised Hall for playing efficiently and not forcing shots. Pearl also noted a few turnovers, but said Hall’s energy and focus stood out.
Notable NIT numbers
- First round vs South Alabama: 21 points.
- Second round vs Seattle: tied career-high with 15 rebounds.
- Quarterfinal vs Nevada: 6-of-9 shooting.
Hall finished the regular season as Auburn’s leading scorer. He averaged 19.4 points per game and earned All-SEC third team honors. Pearl said Hall’s consistency has positioned him well for whatever comes next.
Game details and context
Auburn faces Illinois State with tipoff scheduled for 8:30 p.m. CT. The semifinal game will be televised on ESPN. The Tigers are chasing the program’s first NIT title this season.
Despite a rocky overall year for Auburn, Pearl expressed confidence in his players. He highlighted Hall’s leadership as a reason the team remains focused. Filmogaz.com will follow the matchup and postseason developments.
