Despite playing without Austin Wiley and Danjel Purifoy, Auburn had no trouble scoring in rolling to a 102-74 victory over Norfolk State.
Bryce Brown put on a memorable performance to start the season, with the junior guard going off for 31 points on 12-of-16 shooting from the floor.
Brown also knocked down four 3-pointers on the night.
Four other Auburn players scored in double figures, with Desean Murray and Jared Harper each scoring 13 points, and Mustapha Heron and Anfernee McClemore each scoring 10.
Mustadi Pitt led the Spartans with 18.
Lovell’s Analysis
Considering that the last time Auburn played, it lost an exhibition game to a Division II school, this is progress.
Brown’s scoring ability has never been a question, and he was absolutely on fire in this one.
But it wasn’t the scoring that stood out the most – it was the defense.
Norfolk State only managed 34 percent shooting from the floor, and Auburn was able to force 16 turnovers. Those are numbers that you want to see if you’re an Auburn fan.
Aside from wondering when Wiley and Purifoy will return, it’s always been about defense for this group.
And with this win, it’s a step in the right direction for Bruce Pearl and company.
Even with the FBI investigation still causing distractions, it’s clear that the Tigers have turned the page and are focused on the season ahead.
If the two sidelined players return sooner rather than later, this team still has a chance to be in the upper echelon of the SEC this year.