Auburn’s Jakhi Howard and Ja’Heim Hudson are not traveling to Houston

An alleged “nonsense” incident that later turned into an altercation during the Auburn basketball team’s flight to Houston Friday night has resulted in two players being left behind for the Tigers’ game against No. 4 Houston.

According to Auburn Live’s Justin Hokanson, freshman forward Jahki Howard and transfer forward Ja’Heim Hudson were involved in an altercation during Auburn’s flight to Houston on Friday, which resulted in the plane being diverted back to the Auburn University airport.

According to Hokanson’s sources, the incident began as a “play” before escalating into an altercation in which personal words were exchanged, making the pilot and flight attendant uncomfortable. However, the two were separated before the argument escalated.

The duo combined for nine points in Auburn’s win over Vermont on Wednesday. Howard scored seven points and grabbed four rebounds, while Hudson recorded two assists and two points.

The No. 11 Tigers will look to pull off their first upset of the season when they face No. 4 Houston at 8:30 p.m. CT at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on X (Twitter) and like our page Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes and opinions. You can also follow Taylor on Twitter @TaylorJones__