Auburn Tigers Dominate in Playoff Opener Against Alabama State Hornets

In a highly anticipated NCAA Men's Basketball post-season matchup, the Auburn Tigers faced off against the Alabama State Hornets at Rupp Arena. The game ended with the Tigers securing a convincing victory over the Hornets with a final score of 83-63. This win places the Auburn Tigers in a favorable position at the start of their playoff journey, showcasing their readiness for the challenges ahead.

Key Moments and Standout Performances

The Auburn Tigers' success was driven by remarkable performances from several key players. Miles Kelly led the charge with an impressive 23 points, backed by his stellar shooting performance that included hitting 47 percent from beyond the arc and maintaining a perfect record on two-point attempts. Tahaad Pettiford also made significant contributions with 16 points, five assists, and five rebounds, demonstrating his versatility and playmaking abilities on both ends of the court.

Johni Broome was another standout player for Auburn, notching a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds. His presence in both offensive and defensive plays was pivotal for maintaining control throughout the game. Additionally, Denver Jones facilitated playmaking effectively by dishing out six assists alongside scoring eight points.

The team's overall efficiency was evident through their statistics; they boasted an effective field goal percentage of 54 percent while capitalizing on second-chance opportunities to score 18 points off rebounds.

Alabama State Hornets' Efforts

Despite falling short against a strong Auburn side, Alabama State Hornets showed resilience throughout. They managed to lead briefly by three points early in the contest but struggled to maintain momentum against Auburn's relentless pressure. The Hornets were led by their ability to draw fouls effectively but were hindered by shooting only 37 percent from field goals.

Their efforts were highlighted by managing ten steals and contributing significantly through bench players who added fourteen points to their total score. However, turnovers proved costly as they allowed fifteen points off these mistakes directly benefiting Auburn's offense.

Looking ahead

The Auburn Tigers are set to face Creighton Bluejays next at Rupp Arena in Lexington on March 22nd at 1:00 PM EDT. Fans can catch this upcoming game live as it promises another exciting chapter in Auburn’s postseason campaign.