HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - Auburn's basketball journey away from home reached new heights as they secured a resounding 87-62 victory over UNC Asheville at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The Tigers, in their third consecutive away game, delivered a dynamic performance marked by a formidable defensive effort and notable contributions from their second unit.
Unlike their previous offensive-centric clash with Indiana, Auburn's head coach Bruce Pearl emphasized the transformative role of their defense this time around. He remarked, “We turned up the defense. When you play like that and you play that hard, it’s the ultimate sign of being unselfish."
The unsung heroes of the night emerged from the second unit, featuring standout performances from Tre Donaldson, Chad Baker-Mazara, K.D. Johnson, and Dylan Cardwell. Donaldson, achieving a career-high 15 points, underlined their identity as energy providers, expressing, "Me, K.D., and Chad, we’re just energy guys. It’s just us being ourselves.”
Johnson and Cardwell injected immediate energy, combining for 10 consecutive points, including a mesmerizing alley-oop that ignited the crowd. The bench explosion was a crucial factor in Auburn's victory, amassing a season-high 51 points from the reserves.
Auburn's depth was a defining factor as all 11 players in the rotation contributed points, with Donaldson and Baker-Mazara the only two reaching double figures. Junior guard Denver Jones praised the team's depth, noting, “I think that just speaks on the depth of our team. I feel like it was a great team win."
The Tigers' offensive efficiency was a standout feature, shooting an impressive 53.1 percent from the field. Equally impressive was their commitment to ball security, with only seven turnovers in the game, marking the second consecutive contest with single-digit turnovers.
The turning point on the defensive end occurred in the first half, with Auburn trailing 21-19. The team embarked on a 20-3 run, limiting UNC Asheville to just eight points in the final 9:30 and securing a comfortable 39-27 lead at halftime.
Despite playing away from home for the sixth time this season, Auburn enjoyed robust support from its fans in Huntsville. Coach Pearl expressed his appreciation, stating, “We’ve got some of the best Auburn fans in Huntsville. It was great.”
The victory propelled Auburn to a 7-2 start for the season, marking the sixth time in the last seven seasons that the Tigers have achieved such a start or better. The upcoming home game against USC in Neville Arena presents an opportunity for Auburn to sustain its winning momentum in a stretch of four consecutive home games.
In the postgame analysis, several key statistical highlights emerged. Tre Donaldson's career-high performance of 15 points showcased his growing impact on both ends of the court. Chad Baker-Mazara, contributing 11 points in the second half with a perfect record from behind the arc, highlighted his scoring prowess.
Auburn's commitment to ball security was evident not only in the low turnover count but also in the team's efficient distribution of points. Recording 19 assists on 34 made field goals against UNC Asheville, the Tigers maintained a high level of teamwork and unselfish play.
The Tigers set season highs in various categories, including 51 bench points, 50 points in the paint, and 23 fast-break points. This performance underscored the team's depth and versatility, with contributions coming from various players.
As Auburn looks ahead, sustaining their impressive form, particularly in terms of defensive intensity and offensive efficiency, will be crucial as they return home for a series of games. The victory over UNC Asheville not only extended Auburn's winning streak but also showcased the team's potential for a successful and exciting season.
