What observers say
“The three-point shot became money for the Tigers,” said an analyst following Auburn’s performance in their recent matchup. This statement encapsulates the pivotal role that long-range shooting played in Auburn basketball’s 78-67 victory over South Alabama in the first round of the NIT Tournament.
The game, held at Neville Arena in Auburn, Alabama, attracted an attendance of just 2,169 fans, marking it as the sparest crowd Auburn has had for a home contest in several years. The arena, which has a capacity of 9,121, saw less than a quarter of its seats filled, a stark contrast to the 85 consecutive sellouts the team had achieved prior to this contest.
Auburn entered the game with a challenging first half, shooting only 9-of-36 from the field and trailing South Alabama 36-30 at halftime. However, the team rallied in the second half, with Keyshawn Hall leading the scoring with 21 points. Kevin Overton also made a significant impact, scoring all 21 of his points in the second half, including an impressive 7-of-8 from beyond the arc.
Kaden Magwood contributed a season-high 14 points after returning from a long absence since January 6. His performance was crucial in providing the offensive support needed to turn the game around. Despite the absence of senior transfer forward KeShawn Murphy, who opted out of the NIT Tournament just before the game, Auburn managed to find their rhythm.
The game started at 9 p.m. CT and was broadcast on ESPN2, allowing fans to witness Auburn’s comeback. The victory not only advances Auburn in the tournament but also showcases their resilience and ability to adapt under pressure.
As Auburn prepares for their next challenge, they will face the No. 4 seed Seattle in the second round of the NIT Tournament. The team will look to build on their momentum from this win and continue their pursuit of a deeper run in the tournament.
With the recent victory, Auburn basketball fans are hopeful that the team can overcome any obstacles ahead and make a significant impact in the NIT Tournament. The upcoming matchup against Seattle will be crucial for the Tigers as they aim to further their postseason aspirations.
