The No. 25 Auburn Tigers (11-2) rode a hot first half to finish the non-conference part of their schedule, and started 2024 with a bang, as they defeated the Penn Quakers (8-7) 88-68. The three ball was the story of that first half as 29% of all possessions in the first half ended with three points for the Tigers.
Johni Broome and Denver Johnes lead the way in points in the first half with 12 points and each with two three pointers. Johni Broome would add 12 more to his total taking home 24 in total and leading the way for the Tigers in the points column. Broome was able to add 12 rebounds making a double-double for the Junior.
"It felt good to see the first one go in," said Broome on his three pointers. "A lot of credit goes to my teammates and my coaches. They still believe in me to give me those shots."
"Johni Broome dominated in there. He got clean looks tonight and he took them in rhythm. We're going to go as far as he takes us, on and off the court as a leader," Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl said. "We shared it and we took care of business."
The win was Pearl’s 52nd consecutive non-conference win. Aiding in the win was Auburn’s bench who had 39 of Auburn’s 88 points, and Chad Baker-Mazara scored a season-high 16 points,
"We have multiple guys who can change the game for us," Broome said of Baker-Mazara's role. "It brings a spark to the team."
"Our depth is going to be the key to our success this year," Denver Jones said. "In the second half when we came out slow, we put our second group in and they turned us right back around and put the lead back up."
Auburn also continued a tradition started this year of not turning the ball over as the Tigers only let Penn grab six turnovers.
Auburn will look to continue the success of the non-conference schedule as they play Arkansas in Razorback country this Saturday at 1 p.m. CT and can be listened to on the Auburn Sports Network.
"Last time we were at Arkansas, they stormed the court when we were No. 1 in the country," Pearl said. "It'll be everything we want and then some. It's not the easiest way to start the conference but we're playing well right now."
“This is where men are made,” said Broome on upcoming SEC play.
