Auburn Tigers News: Basketball cruises past USC, football begins official bowl prep

In today's edition of Auburn Tigers News, Auburn basketball cruises past USC for a dominant home win while Auburn football begins official bowl preparation

It was a big weekend for Bruce Pearl's Auburn Tigers, who hosted the USC Trojans this afternoon in front of a packed crowd in Neville Arena. Sir Charles was in attendance, as well as Savannah James, mother of Bronny James, and Kyle Korver, former NBA player and current Assistant General Manager of the Atlanta Hawks.

The Tigers got ahead early and held on to the lead for the entire game with a rowdy crowd backing them. Though the national attention was on Bronny James, son of NBA great LeBron James, and his team, Auburn basketball showed out with the 91-75 win.

The Tigers' top scorer of the game was freshman Aden Holloway, with 15 points, six assists, and two rebounds. Four other Tigers also scored in double digits. Auburn basketball will next take the court against Alabama State on December 22 in Neville Arena.

Auburn football begins official bowl preparations

Meanwhile, head coach Hugh Freeze and the Auburn football team have begun preparations for the Music City Bowl in Nashville at the end of the month. The Tigers' first practice was this weekend, the first time they've suited up since the Iron Bowl.

Notably, the Tigers will be without several key pieces on the defense as Nehemiah Pritchett, DJ James, and Marcus Harris have all opted out of the bowl to begin preparations for the 2024 NFL Draft. However, star cornerback Jaylin Simpson will play in the bowl game, as well as seniors Eugene Asante and Keionte Scott, who have chosen to return to the Plains for another season.

Auburn football will continue to practice until December 22, when they will shut things down for winter break, per Auburn Athletics. The TransPerfect Music City Bowl will kick off from Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, on December 30 at 1:00 p.m.