Auburn Best Start In 40 Years
Auburn is undefeated and untested heading into Southeastern Conference play.
Mamadou N'diaye and Scott Pohlman each scored 18 points as the No. 17 Tigers wrapped up their non-conference schedule by routing Bethune-Cookman 99-46 Tuesday night.
Auburn (12-0) is winning by an NCAA-leading average of 29.3 points a game and is off to its best start in 40 years. But the competition is about to get tougher for the Tigers, who open SEC play against Tennessee on Saturday.
"We came out tonight and took care of business against a very aggressive team," said Auburn coach Cliff Ellis. "We played with a lot of energy and kept the pressure on Bethune-Cookman all night."
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The Wildcats (3-7) buckled under Auburn runs of 25-4 and 26-4 and committed 33 turnovers. The Tigers tied a school-record set earlier this year with 19 steals.
Auburn made 51 percent of its shots while limiting Bethune-Cookman to 29 percent from the field. Auburn reserves accounted for 41 points despite the absence of sixth man David Hamilton, who is out 6-8 weeks after breaking a leg during a Christmas Eve pickup game.
Mack McGadney scored a career-high 13 points for the Tigers, while Chris Porter had 12 points and 10 rebounds. N'diaye had eight rebounds and blocked three shots.
Doc Robinson had six points, seven assists, three steals and two blocks for Auburn, which dominated the boards 50-36.
Bethune-Cookman forward Johnny McClenton, who came in averaging 15 points, went 1-for-11 with four points and 10 turnovers for the Wildcats. The Wildcats' leading scorer, Freddie Cole, was held to six points, 11 under his average.
Ned Valder led Bethune-Cookman with eight points.
Auburn newcomer Adrian Person, the nephew of NBA players and former Auburn stars Chuck and Wesley Person, had his best game as a TigerPerson went 3-for-5 for seven points in nine minutes.
"Right now, all I want to do is try and get in a rhythm and let my game come to me," said the former junior college star. "We really had to focus on our team rebounding since we lost David. He was a big player for us and we are all going to have to step up our game a little."
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