Auburn scored early and often in cruising to a 119-85 victory over visiting Winthrop.
The Tigers were on fire from the field in shooting 61.8 percent from the field ad 56.0 percent from the 3-point line.
Mustapha Heron notched a double-double as he contributed 31 points and 10 rebounds in 27 minutes of action.
FINAL | Auburn 119, Winthrop 85
The Tigers win by 3️⃣4️⃣ on Charles Barkley Appreciation Night. ?
Auburn matches the most points scored under @CoachBrucePearl. #WarEagle pic.twitter.com/YDDiJAaX4O
— Auburn Basketball (@AuburnMBB) November 25, 2017
Auburn got 21 points from Bryce Brown, who knocked down 6 of 9 attempts from 3-point range.
Jermaine Ukaegbu paced Winthrop with 12 points.
Lovell’s Analysis
This was the type of game that the Tigers needed to win convincingly, and that’s exactly what they did.
Of course, the task was made more difficult for the Eagles after leading scorer and rebounder Xavier Cooks was suspended for the game.
Still, Auburn played to its strengths and found plenty of open shots. Shooting 62 percent from the field is impressive no matter who you’re playing.
Yes, there were still defensive lapses that will need to be addressed, but the good news is that this team has managed to jump out to a 4-1 start despite those struggles.
So, while the waiting game continues as to the future availability of Austin Wiley and Danjel Purifoy, the Tigers are finding ways to scores victories.
We should learn more the Tigers next Wednesday when they visit Dayton. The Flyers are rebuilding under Anthony Grant, and this is a game that Auburn should win.
But it will all depend on the Tigers’ ability to defend, which should continue to be the biggest factor for this team throughout the season.
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