Auburn (9-2) hosted Alabama State (4-7) in the penultimate game of 2023 for the Tigers. The Tigers were dominant over the Hornets who were 0-5 on the road this year rolling into Neville arena as they would leave 0-6, as the Tigers did not take their foot off the gas winning 82-62.
“We’ve had quite the stretch of great games in some great environments. It’s been really good.“ Coach Pearl said “We are in position now, to be in position. At the same time, getting beat in the second half (by Alabama State) was something I wasn’t pleased with. We were affected a little bit, that it wasn’t (a team like) USC. I don’t prepare like that, I don’t coach like that and I don’t let my teams play like that.”
Auburn moves to an astonishing 50-0 at home against non-conference opponents in their last 50, an impressive feat and benchmark as they will have two more non-conference games at home both of which the Tigers will be favored in.
KD Johnson and Jaylin Williams surpassed the 1000 career points mark Friday against the Hornets. Both players ended the game in double figures just two of the three tigers to do so helping propel the Tigers to a dominating victory.
"Congratulations to Jaylin Williams," Pearl said. "What a great game he had on both ends of the floor. He has been tremendously consistent over the last couple weeks. It was also great to see K.D. – that ball going in for him. I thought K.D. brought great energy into his rotation at the start of the first half where it really kind of ignited our defense."
The Tiger’s streak of three consecutive games without a turnover came to an end tonight as they had 18 turnovers but also added 14 assists led by Aden Holloway who had a game-high four assists.
The Tigers shot well with a respectable 46% from the field but only 25% from three sinking only six of their 24 attempts.
Johni Broome had 16 points and led the game in rebounds with 13. Broome added three blocks and an equal number of steals in his impressive showing.
Auburn spent 35 minutes in the lead of this game thanks in no small part to Jaylin Williams who not only surpassed the 1000 career point mark but led the game in scoring with 20 points on 7-10 shooting from the field.
Fresh legs prevailed again as 10 players recorded double-digit minutes allowing the Tigers to stay fresh and keep their commanding lead for the majority of the game.
Alabama State had two players lead their squad that posted 16 points and led their squad, Isaiah Range and Antoni Madlock.
Alabama State shot 39 percent from the field as Auburn's defense was enough to hold the Hornets to just 62 points on the night.
Auburn will be back in action after the Holidays when they host the Mocs of Chattanooga on 12/30 in their final game of the calendar year the game will be on the SEC Network for the 8 pm CST tip-off in conjunction with the Auburn Sports Network.
