Defense dominates in 67-41 win over UNC Asheville

AUBURN, Ala. - Relying on a suffocating defense, No. 8 Auburn improved to 7-1, defeating UNC Asheville 67-41 Tuesday at Auburn Arena.

The Tigers blocked 12 shots, made 13 steals and forced 25 turnovers. 

"Defense travels," Auburn coach Bruce Pearl said. "While we struggled a little bit offensively, the defense maintained pretty consistent." 

Austin Wiley led Auburn with 14 points, adding five blocks and four rebounds. Wiley was 5 of 7 from the field and 4-for-5 from the free-throw line. Samir Doughty scored 13 points and grabbed six rebounds.

"I'm really proud of how we played defense tonight," Wiley said. "I try my best to be on the help side. I just tried to do my part."

The Tigers used a 15-0 run to build a 30-point lead in the second half. Auburn rewarded Horace Spencer for running the floor on back-to-back possessions, first with an alley oop from Jared Harper, then with a fastbreak layup after Spencer's steal.

Harper served up another alley oop to Malik Dunbar for a slam that gave Auburn a 54-24 lead.

Harper scored nine points and had five assists. Dunbar and Chuma Okeke each had seven rebounds. Dunbar also made a team-high five steals while Okeke tied Harper for the team lead with five assists.

"We stayed with our defensive principles," Dunbar said. "I think we're a lot better [on defense] because we've been emphasizing it a lot more in practice. We've got a better understanding, and we've got the same guys, returners came back."

Auburn led 33-18 at the half after blocking eight shots, making five steals and forcing 12 turnovers.

Dunbar sparked the Tigers with a pair of 3-pointers assisted by Spencer, part of a 12-0 run. Harper's 4-point play put Auburn up 25-13.

Bryce Brown scored seven points, had four assists and two steals while holding UNC Asheville's leading scorer to four points on 2-for-10 shooting while committing nine turnovers.

"Bryce never stopped guarding," Pearl said. "Even when he wasn't stuffing the stat sheet offensively, he kept guarding, and that's a mature player. That's a good solid leader to be able to keep giving that effort."

Auburn's homestand continues Saturday at 7:30 p.m. CT against Dayton on SEC Network.

"Were going to have to play much tougher against our next opponent," Pearl said. "This team has been very businesslike, and they clearly understand the business that's in front of us. I know that they'll continue to improve as we get challenged more and more. 

"And we're going to get challenged on Saturday. There are still tickets available for that game on Saturday against Dayton. I hope that thing gets sold out before we tip."