Auburn wrapped up its nonconference schedule with its most complete performance of the season Monday night, rolling past Queens 106–65 at Neville Arena. The Tigers hit the 100-point mark for the first time this year while pairing it with arguably their best defensive showing.
Auburn forced 14 turnovers, recorded 13 steals, and held Queens to just 13% from three-point range. The Tigers disrupted passing lanes, pushed the pace off turnovers, and limited the Royals to 21 first-half points.
“I thought in the first half we gave them that," Auburn coach Steven Pearl said. "First half we just had great activity defensively, that was the best we have played defensively all year... Guys did a great job defensively,”
Offensively, Auburn was lethal from beyond the arc, knocking down 15 threes while shooting 47% overall. The Tigers also controlled the glass, out-rebounding Queens 40–26, and converted defensive stops into easy transition points.
Elyjah Freeman and Kevin Overton led the way. Freeman scored a season-high 27 points, going a perfect 4-for-4 from three and 5-for-5 from the line. Overton added 23 points with five threes.
“Like SP said, I just felt like it was the best option for the whole entire team," Freeman said. "I’m not really a selfish kid, so I just felt like me coming off the bench… Hopefully it shows Saturday."
Keyshawn Hall added 18 points, five rebounds and five assists, while Tahaad Pettiford recorded a career-high nine assists, keeping Auburn’s offense moving.
Auburn carried a 57–21 halftime lead and never let up, pushing the margin to 37 points. The balanced effort and strong defensive showing give the Tigers momentum heading into SEC play.
“We want to get better in defense, so for us to [play like this] was the step in the right direction," Keyshawn Murphy said. "I’m ready to lead us into conference play and have a good run."
Auburn enters conference action at 9–4 after navigating one of the nation’s toughest nonconference schedules. The Tigers open SEC play Saturday on the road at No. 23 Georgia and will look to carry this energy and confidence into the grind of league competition.