In a thrilling turn of events, Auburn men's basketball showcased their mettle by knocking off two top five teams in the same season. In the first round of the Maui Invitational, they emerged victorious against No. 5 Iowa State with a narrow 83 - 81 win. Trailing by 16 points at halftime, the tigers staged an astonishing comeback in the second half, fueled by 18 points from Chad Baker-Mazara. Iowa State, led by Keshon Gilbert's 23 points on just two missed shots, shot 47% from the floor as a team. With a challenging road game at Duke awaiting them next, let's delve into three key takeaways from Monday's game.

Takeaways from Monday's Game

Iowa State Defense's Early Stranglehold on Auburn

Iowa State entered the game with a reputation for forcing turnovers, averaging one every four possessions. In the first half alone, they managed to force seven turnovers on Auburn. This aggressive defense translated into 11 points off turnovers and a 14 - 3 advantage in fastbreak points. Auburn struggled from beyond the arc, shooting only 29% and hitting just four 3-pointers. Tahaad Pettiford and Johni Broome combined for 20 points in the first half, but Iowa State had five players in double figures going into the break. This early defensive onslaught set the stage for a dramatic second half. 2: The Iowa State defense's early dominance was a significant challenge for Auburn. It forced the Tigers to play catch-up for much of the first half and disrupted their offensive rhythm. Auburn's inability to convert from 3-point range in the first half was a glaring weakness that Iowa State exploited. The Cyclones' ability to generate points from turnovers and fastbreaks showed their defensive prowess and put Auburn on the back foot early in the game.

Second Half Scoring Heroics: Leading to Victory or Near Miss

Auburn's second half performance was nothing short of heroic. They outscored Iowa State 24 - 11 to cut the deficit to just one possession. The Tigers took the lead in the game's final four minutes, with Johni Broome leading the way with 21 points and a crucial go-ahead tip-in shot. Pettiford added 14 points off the bench, while Denver Jones and Miles Kelly came alive, combining for 24 points after slow starts. Five players finished in double figures for Auburn, demonstrating their depth and scoring ability. 2: The second half comeback was a testament to Auburn's resilience and determination. The Tigers showed that they could respond to a tough first half and mount a comeback when it mattered most. The scoring heroics of Broome, Pettiford, Jones, and Kelly were crucial in securing the victory or at least coming close. It was a team effort that showcased Auburn's ability to perform under pressure and turn the game around in their favor.

Ja'Heim Hudson's Return to Court and Jahki Howard's Absence

After serving a three-game suspension for his role in a physical altercation during a team flight, Ja'Heim Hudson made his long-awaited return to the court against Iowa State. He played four minutes in the first half, recording a rebound and an assist. Jahki Howard, who was also suspended, saw no in-game playing time for the third straight game. He has been sidelined since the season-opener, and there is no timetable for his return. 2: Hudson's return was a welcome sight for Auburn fans, as it added depth and experience to the team. However, the absence of Howard remains a concern, especially as the team faces tougher opponents. The team will need to find ways to compensate for Howard's absence and rely on the contributions of other players. Hudson's brief appearance in the game gave a glimpse of what he can bring to the team, but it remains to be seen how he will fit back into the lineup and contribute in the long run.