No. 11 Auburn started off hot and never took their foot off the gas pedal in a dominant 88-66 win over No. 25 Washington Friday night in front of a sold out Auburn Arena.
Despite being outshot by the Huskies in overall and 3-point percentage, the Tigers defense forced 18 Washington turnovers, scoring 30 points.
"I thought our defense was really good tonight," said Auburn coach Bruce Pearl. "That was obviously a factor and it was a good team effort. I'm pleased with where we are right now."
Offensively, Auburn had four scorers in double figures, led by Chuma Okeke's 19 points. Okeke also contributed 10 rebounds in the win.
Samir Doughty had an efficient night, scoring 18 points on 6-9 shooting from the field. Doughty also chipped in four rebounds and four assists.
In his first game action in over a year, Austin Wiley came off the bench to a thunderous ovation from the crowd and scored on his first touch in the paint. Wiley ended up scoring 5 points in 13 minutes.
The Huskies scored the first two points of the game, and never regained the lead again, as Auburn went on an early 14-2 run to ignite the crowd.
The lead eventually expanded to as many as 22 in the first half, and Auburn went into halftime leading 48-30.
The Tigers continued their relentless style of offense in the second half, going on an early 7-0 run.
With the help of more costly Washington turnovers, the lead eventually ballooned up to 30 and the Tigers had control of the game.
Jalen Nowell and Nahziah Carter led the Huskies in scoring with 16 points apiece .
The Huskies also fell into some foul trouble, as Noah Dickerson fouled out in the middle of the 2nd half.
Auburn's lead would get trimmed down to 22, but it was too little too late for the Huskies, as Auburn held on for the win.
The Tigers continue their home stretch of games when they host Mississippi College Wednesday night at 7 p.m. CT at Auburn Arena.
