AUBURN, Ala. — Auburn (9-3) will face off against Norfolk State (11-4) Sunday afternoon in Neville Arena. Sunday’s game will wrap up the non-conference slate for the Tigers before SEC play begins in January.
Auburn has not played in over a week due to the holidays, but in the last outing, Auburn dominated Alabama State. The Tigers won the matchup by over 40 points in large part due to a huge game from forward DeYona Gaston. The performance led to Gaston being named SEC Player of the Week.
Auburn will look for another big performance from Gaston against Norfolk State on Sunday. Auburn won the only previous matchup between the two schools last season, but the Spartans have the makings of a team that could present a challenge for the Tigers.
Norfolk State is ranked 120th in the NET Rankings. That number may not catch the eye, but as a mid-major program, 120 is a very respectable ranking.
The Spartans already have an SEC win under their belt this season. They defeated Missouri in Columbia earlier in the year. The Spartans also took Alabama to the wire in Tuscaloosa losing by only ten. Auburn will have to be at or near its best to take down Norfolk State on Sunday.
Auburn’s defense might be key to the Tigers securing the victory. Auburn’s defense is holding opponents to just 53 points per game. That number is well below most team’s average, including Norfolk State which averages 65 points per game.
The Tigers also turn teams over at a high rate, averaging over 11 steals per game. Auburn’s ability to defend and put pressure on teams has been a strength all season. That will need to continue on Sunday for Auburn to win.
Auburn’s offense, meanwhile averages 75 points per game, led by Gaston and Taliah Scott who each average over 20 points per game. Norfolk State’s defense holds opponents to 60 points per game and will certainly attempt to limit Gaston and Scott for the Tigers.
Sunday’s matchup is far from an easy tune-up game before SEC play. Norfolk State will present another tough challenge for the Tigers in what has already been a tough non-conference schedule.
The game will tip-off at 2:00 PM inside Neville Arena. The game will air on the Auburn Sports Network and the SEC Network+.
