Five takeaways from Auburn basketball's 80-76 loss to Arkansas

That was absolutely brutal.

Auburn (22-2, 10-1 SEC) came into Bud Walton Arena dancing, and left deflated after losing a tightly contested game that will go down in SEC history as a classic. The Hogs (19-5, 8-3 SEC) were incredibly aggressive on the defensive end from start to finish, and the Tigers' lack of depth at guard was not helping.

Auburn needs to feel good about themselves coming out of this game. They were without their starting point guard, they did uncharacteristic things at the free throw line, they were on the road against a team nearing 20 wins having won their last eight straight. If Auburn was going to lose a game, this was a good one to lose.

Here are five takeaways from Auburn's loss to Arkansas.

Auburn's shot selection is horrible

The Tigers did themselves no favors with the choices they made on the offensive end. Auburn needs to shop chucking up desperation threes when things get ugly.

The officials made their presence known

Let me open this by saying that the officiating did not cost Auburn this game. The officials did not, however, call a good game. A plethora of offensive fouls, moving screens, and blind eyes turned to fouls at the rim were incredibly frustrating to watch. Basketball is a game of runs. It should not be a game of officials. Ted Valentine has to do a better job.

Auburn was gassed, and it led to sloppy play

The Tigers desperately needed the steady hand of Zep Jasper in this game. Wendell Green Jr. has had to shoulder the load, and the team hasn't had the best results. Auburn had 19 turnovers, which is extremely uncharacteristic.

Free throws are important

Going 8-for-17 from the free throw line was not ideal. The Tigers have to do a better job in that department.

The final possession of regulation was dumbfounding

A three-point attempt from the logo was not the shot Auburn wanted. A drive to the basket or a touch for Jabari Smith would have been better for the Tigers. Had they made a better decision there would have been a great chance to have won in regulation.