“We built a program with the core tenants of faith, family and passion,” Bruce Pearl said when he retired in September 2025. On Sunday, the “family” part was front and center. Pearl was just a dad in the stands, watching his son, Steven, face his first true test as Auburn’s new head coach. The stage was set for a perfect passing of the torch against #1 Houston.

But Houston freshman Kingston Flemings didn’t quite follow this script. Playing with a poise that belied his age, Flemings torched the #22 Tigers for a game-high 22 points. More than just an offensive force, he proved to be the closer. With Auburn trailing 73-72 in the frantic final seconds, Tahaad Pettiford drove for the game-winning layup, but Flemings met him at the rim, blocking the shot and sealing the victory.

With his legendary father looking on, Steven Pearl was handed his first-ever loss as a head coach. It was a brutal 73-72 heartbreaker, delivered by a freshman who announced his arrival on the national stage.

This is a developing story…