Sat Nov 02 16:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Auburn Tigers Dominate FAU in Preseason Finale
Auburn closed out their preseason with a resounding 102-70 victory over FAU on Friday night, showcasing their improved shooting and strong defense. The Tigers were led by a strong performance from their freshmen, Tahaad Pettiford and Jahki Howard, who provided a spark off the bench.
The Tigers’ defense was the key factor in the victory, forcing 17 turnovers from FAU and limiting them to just 3-of-15 from three-point range. Auburn’s offense also came alive in the second half, shooting 37% from beyond the arc, including an 8-of-21 clip.
Pettiford led Auburn with 12 points and five assists, while Howard finished with 14 points, including 2-of-4 from deep. Head Coach Bruce Pearl praised Howard’s athleticism and energy, though he wished he would show more joy on the court.
Miles Kelly, who missed the previous exhibition due to illness, returned to action and contributed 15 points. Chaney Johnson had a quietly productive game with seven rebounds, two steals, and several hustle plays.
Johni Broome, as usual, was dominant with 15 points, nine rebounds, and four blocks. Broome and Dylan Cardwell continued to start together in the frontcourt, with Pearl indicating that the starting lineup could be fluid this season.
Despite a strong performance, the Tigers still committed a high number of fouls, resulting in 72 combined free-throw attempts. Pearl recognized this area as a concern and stressed the need for improvement before the regular season opener against Vermont next Wednesday.
Overall, the Tigers entered the regular season with momentum, having demonstrated their defensive prowess and the potential of their young players. The team will be looking to build on this success as they enter their season opener against Vermont.
First Piper 