Auburn, Ala. (EETV)- Auburn basketball returned to action on Tuesday with a resounding win over Morehead State, 77-54, in Auburn Arena.
“I was pleased with the effort and energy,” said head coach Bruce Pearl. “That’s the best we’ve played in three weeks.”
The Jungle was back, and it was packed as Bruce Pearl’s new squad started their 2021-2022 campaign with a bang. The Jungle was loud in the first game back in Auburn Arena since the start of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Pearl’s squad was ready for it.
“It was electric,” said sophomore Walker Kessler. “With Covid you could tell they wanted to be out there.”
The juice of The Jungle powered Auburn to an early 11-0 run before Morehead State got on the board. Much of the run was due to transfer point guard Wendell Green Jr.’s scoring and his electric defense. Green didn’t stack the box with steals, but his press defense forced some bad passes and turnovers.
“Our guard defense is pesty,” Kessler said. “They are a bunch of pests out there.”
Auburn forced Morehead State into 10 turnovers in the first half alone.
“The first 15 minutes of the game was the best defensive effort we’ve had in a while,” Pearl said. “Our defensive effort was really really special.”
The rust that was apparent in the exhibition game came flying off early. Before Morehead State could blink Auburn was up 20 and never looked back. The Tigers where up by as much as 29 points in the first half.
In the second half, Morehead State settled into the game and battled back closing the lead to 14 points before Auburn regained the momentum. Along the run Morehead State held the Tigers scoreless for 2 minutes along the run.
Auburn’s cold streak didn’t last long as they bounced back from the 2-minute drought with a 14-2 run to officially put the game to bed.
Transfer point guard Wendell Green Jr. led Auburn in scoring with 19 points and posted five rebounds and three assists. More importantly he posted zero turnovers.
Freshman Jabari Smith led Auburn in rebounds and steals in his official debut as an Auburn Tiger. The highest ever recruit to come to Auburn finished his night with eight points, six rebounds and three steals.
Smith and Auburn will look to build on this performance when ULM comes to Auburn Arena on Friday November 12. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. and can be streamed on SEC Network+.
