Auburn Routs Southeastern Louisiana 92-59 to Extend Home Streak
The Auburn Tigers opened their season on the Plains with a 92-59 victory over the Southeastern Louisiana Lions, extending their nation-leading nonconference home winning streak to 68 games. For the third season in a row, the Tigers started the season with a 90-point win over their opponent.
The night started slowly for Auburn. After claiming the first two baskets, the team saw the Lions follow closely through much of the first half. Junior guard Tahaad Pettiford struggled early, unable to sink a shot until the 12-minute mark of the opening period. Despite that sluggish start, the Tigers stayed active on defense, finishing the game with 11 total blocks and 50 rebounds.
#Auburn men’s basketball kicked off Year 2 of the Steven Pearl era with a convincing 92-59 victory over Southeastern Louisiana, headlined by stellar guard play off the bench. Story by: @RorymGarvinhttps://t.co/Y9b0qRHBmW
Once Pettiford hit his stride, the offense surged. He finished with a game-high 18 points, while four other Auburn players scored in double figures. Starters Kevin Overton and Narcisse Ngoy contributed 12 and 10 points respectively, Kolby King added 12 points, and George Kimble III chipped in 10 off the bench.
Auburn held a 14-point lead with less than a minute left in the first half. With just over two seconds remaining, King grabbed a rebound off the Lions’ basket and fired the ball to Pettiford, who drained a 50-foot, half-court buzzer-beater to give the Tigers a 42-25 advantage at the break. Powered by that momentum, the team widened its lead significantly in the second half.
Towers Lead Defensive Surge to Secure Commanding Lead
The duo of 7-footers, Ngoy and Bukky Oboye, showcased strong two-way skills in the post. Oboye led the team with five blocks, while Ngoy added two blocks and 10 points. Together, the pair combined for 12 rebounds.
Midway through the second half, the Tigers put together a 12-point run, punctuated by a dunk from Ngoy and a 3-pointer from forward Owen Freeman, stretching their lead to 29 points. Fifth-year transfer King led the squad in rebounds with seven, alongside his 12 points on 3-of-4 shooting from the field and 2-of-3 from beyond the arc. Freshman guard Caleb Williams chipped in seven points, three steals, three assists, and two rebounds in his collegiate debut.
Auburn’s defensive pressure, Pettiford’s long-range buzzer-beater, and 25 fouls committed by Southeastern Louisiana secured the comfortable margin in the season opener.
Looking Ahead to Neville Arena
The Tigers will put their streak on the line again soon. Auburn returns to Neville Arena to face the Appalachian State Mountaineers on Nov. 9 at 8 p.m. CST for Military Appreciation Night.
Halftime: #Auburn 42, Southeastern Louisiana 25 Tahaad Pettiford ends the first half with 13 points after putting together an 11-0 scoring run by himself.
