BIRMINGHAM – Hours after head coach Steven Pearl, Tahaad Pettiford Keyshawn Hall and KeShawn Murphy addressed the media at the SEC's annual Tipoff event, the Auburn Tigers headed into downtown Birmingham for an exhibition showdown with the Oklahoma State Cowboys.

Auburn ended up falling 97—95 in the contest. What are the main things to take away from the game?

Auburn lost despite being way ahead at the free-throw line

When it was all said and done, the Tigers had a significant advantage in foul shots over the Cowboys, with 20 more attempts to their name.

Auburn went 35-49, or 71%, at the free-throw line, while Oklahoma State was 21-29, or 72%.

34 fouls were called on Oklahoma State throughout the game, while 22 were given to Auburn. During the second half and overtime, the Cowboys had 19 to the Tigers' 11.

Failing to take advantage of a difference that significant in fouls and free-throw attempts is not something the Tigers want to see become a trend.

Keyshawn Hall made his mark

The 6-foot-7 forward who joined the Tigers via the transfer portal during the offseason gave an early look at what he brings to the table.

Hall led Auburn in scoring with 26 points and was its second-highest rebounder with eight. He shot 7-of-14 from the field, 2-of-3 from 3-point range and 10-of-14 from the free-throw line, accomplishing all of that in 26 minutes on the floor.

If Hall can bring this level of production to the table for Auburn during its rigorous nonconference slate, the Tigers could be in good shape.

Oklahoma State's three-headed monster got the job done

Oklahoma State had three players score all but 18 of its total points.

Anthony Roy and Isaiah Coleman finished the game with 28 points each. Jaylen Curry was not far behind with 23.

27 of the Cowboys' 34 made field goal attempts belonged to one of these three players.

What's next?

Auburn returns to action for another exhibition against Memphis at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Thursday, Oct. 30, at 7:30 p.m. CT.

The Tigers officially open the season against Bethune-Cookman on Monday, Nov. 3, officially beginning the Steven Pearl era at Neville Arena.