Auburn, Alabama (EETV) - The Auburn Tigers faced off against the Dayton Flyers Saturday night in Auburn Arena. The Tigers looked to defeat Dayton for the second year in row.
The Tigers showed out big in the first half with their high shooting percentage. Auburn shot 61 percent from the floor and 80 percent from the free-throw line, while Dayton shot 48 percent from the floor and only 50 percent from the free-throw line. Guards Jared Harper and Bryce Brown came out hot from the three-point line, Harper shooting 2-3 and Brown 4-5. Harper ended the half with 14 points and Brown with an impressive 22 points.
Dayton forward Ryan Mikesell and guard Jalen Crutcher also showed out from the three-point line as they both shot 2-3. Mikesell would be Daytons leading scorer going into the half with 10 points.
Not only were the Tigers dominant on the offensive end in the first half, but their defense made a statement with a total of five blocks, three of which came from Austin Wiley. Auburn would enter halftime with a comfortable 51-32 lead.
In the second half, Dayton forward Josh Cunningham, who had remained quite for most of the first half, scored 11 points to be their leading scorer in the half. The Flyers showed their talents as they fought back, bringing the lead within single digits several times.
Bryce Brown and Jared Harper continued to be the leading scorers for Auburn as they would finish with a combined 54 points. Brown scored a career high 34 points and Harper finished with 20 points. The Tigers would remain on top as they win the hard-fought game, 82-72.
Auburn improves their record to 8-1 and Dayton falls to 5-4. The Tigers will be in Birmingham Saturday the 15th in Legacy Arena as they take on UAB.
