It's far from ideal when a powerhouse program like Auburn has to go into overtime to beat a team like Bethune-Cookman by just five points. Even with the win, the rocky start to the Tigers' season was a far-from-ideal beginning to the Steven Pearl era for the program.
Now, the No. 20 Auburn Tigers are set to face yet another "Group of 5" program when they host the Merrimack Warriors in a game that should be a get-right game where the Tigers can dominate their opponents.
The Warriors are already 0-1 on the year, losing to the South Dakota State Jackrabbits just a few days ago. Meanwhile, the Tigers will most likely play angrily, even though they're 1-0, with the motivation of proving themselves as a superior program at the national level.
Merrimack should prepare itself (mentally, emotionally, and physically) for a beatdown from Auburn, and oddsmakers can't help but agree.
Odds for Auburn vs. Merrimack men's basketball
- Spread: -23.5, Auburn
- Money line: -10,000 Auburn, +2,400 Merrimack
- Over/Under total: 146.5 points
According to the FanDuel Sportsbook, the Tigers are favored to win by nearly 24 points, and someone would have to bet $10,000 on Auburn just to walk away with a $100 win.
After the lackluster performance against Bethune-Cookman, this game could be exactly what Auburn needs to ignite a fire within the program and storm back to prominence on the collegiate basketball scene.
How to watch No. 20 Auburn vs. Merrimack
- Date & Time: Thursday, Nov. 6, at 7 p.m. CT
- Location: Neville Arena, Auburn, AL
- TV/Streaming: SEC Network+
- Live stats: StatBroadcast
This is the second of a three-game home-game streak at Neville Arena for the Tigers. After facing Merrimack and then the Wofford Terriers, Auburn will travel to Birmingham to face the No. 2 Houston Cougars in The Battleground 2K25 matchup.