AUBURN, Ala. – Coming off back-to-back wins at home, Auburn will look to make it three in a row Tuesday afternoon against Appalachian State.
Though this season has been unique given the limited capacity allowed at Auburn Arena, the Tigers have won all three home games by an average of 20.7 points per game. They are still just as dangerous as ever at home, and a major part of that success is a credit to the players.
Sure, the players are the ones making shots and grabbing rebounds. The trio of Allen Flanigan, Jaylin Williams and Justin Powell have all been sensational at home this season. But the players are also the ones providing the energy on and off the court inside Auburn Arena, and it's a different trio (Babatunde Akingbola, Dylan Cardwell and Chris Moore) who has stepped up to lead that charge in recent games.
"Those three guys there, coming off the bench, are vocal and passionate and play with a motor," Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl said. "And you can see it. It does help. It helps defensively. It helps in the locker room. In these games, you've got to bring your own energy."
With a win Tuesday, not only will it extend Auburn's regular season non-conference home winning streak to 33, it will also clinch the best regular season non-conference record in the SEC over the last five seasons. The Tigers are 52-7 since 2016-17, two games ahead of Arkansas (50-9) with two games remaining in the non-conference slate for both teams.
In a week, after the holiday break, Auburn will host Arkansas in the SEC opener. First, though, the Tigers must take care of business against Appalachian State.
The game will tip off Tuesday at 2 p.m. CT from Auburn Arena. Andy Burcham and Sonny Smith will have the radio call on 93.9 Tiger FM, online at AuburnTigers.com and on the TuneIn app. The game will also be televised on SEC Network with Mike Morgan and Debbie Antonelli on the call.
All persons inside Auburn Arena will be required to wear a face covering at all times and maintain appropriate social distancing. Visit the Men's Basketball Gameday page at AuburnTigers.com for more information.
Toy Drive
The annual Auburn Basketball Toy Drive is back once again with this season's virtual toy drive, running Tuesday, Dec. 15 – 22, benefitting Toys for Tots. We are encouraging the Auburn Family to consider donating a new toy through this online platform. All funds raised during the week of Tuesday, Dec. 15 – 22 will be utilized by local U.S. Marines on Wednesday, Dec. 23 to shop for new, unwrapped toys which will bring joy and hope of the holidays to children in need in the Lee County area. Fans also have the ability to donate online. For more information, please visit AuburnTigers.com/MBBGameday.
Player to Watch: Justin Powell
Justin Powell has been one of the best freshmen in the country to begin the 2020-21 season. He is currently on pace to be one of just six freshmen in the last 25 seasons to average 14 points, six rebounds and four assists per game. That list includes R.J. Barrett (Duke), Ben Simmons (LSU), Chauncey Billups (Colorado), Curtis Stinson (Iowa State) and Lonzo Ball (UCLA).
Inside the Series: Appalachian State
Tuesday afternoon's tilt between Auburn and Appalachian State will be just the second meeting between the two programs in series history. The Tigers took the first contest on Nov. 29, 1976 with an 84-61 win at home. In that game, Mike Mitchell scored a team-high 17 points while Pepto Bolden had a double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds.
The Tigers are 45-11 all-time against teams from the currently-constructed Sun Belt Conference, which includes wins over South Alabama and Troy this season. Head coach Bruce Pearl is 1-0 in his career vs. Appalachian State, earning an 89-81 result in his first season at Tennessee.
Starting Strong
With Saturday's win over Troy, Auburn moved to 5-2 on the season and is winners of four straight games. The Tigers have started 5-2 or better in each of the last six seasons after having just one such start in the previous seven seasons combined. They have won six of their first eight games the last three seasons.
Tigers host Appalachian State in final SEC tune-up
