The Auburn Tigers are set to play their final non-conference matchup of the season, hosting the Queens University Royals at Neville Arena. This game serves as a crucial preparation before their Southeastern Conference opener against the Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday. Currently, Auburn holds a ranking of No. 42 in the NET, while Queens stands at No. 222. For the Royals, this game represents a vital Quad 1 opportunity, as they aim to improve their dismal 0-4 record against such competition, having previously faced off against teams like Villanova, Virginia, Wake Forest, and Arkansas.
Despite their 5-7 record, Queens demonstrates a potent offense, leading the ASUN conference with an impressive average of 84.0 points per game. Key players for the Royals include Nassir Mann, who averages 15.3 points per game, tying him for sixth in the ASUN, alongside notable three-point threats Chris Ashby and Carson Schweiger, both of whom consistently contribute from beyond the arc. However, the Royals struggle defensively, allowing an average of 87.6 points per game, ranking them near the bottom of their conference.
Auburn, on the other hand, boasts its strengths on both ends of the court, particularly as they prepare for their upcoming SEC battle. The Tigers have found momentum in their play, with a solid number of players stepping up to capitalize on Queens’ vulnerabilities. Although Auburn has faced challenges, including a recent loss to Purdue, the team looks to build confidence and smooth out any rough edges before gearing up for tougher SEC competition.
As the game progresses, Auburn has showcased dominance, leading at halftime with a score of 57-21. Keyshawn Hall has been particularly impressive, scoring 16 points in the first half and shooting 6-of-7 from the field. The Tigers’ shooting performance has been robust, successfully reaching a shooting percentage of 53% with an impressive 47% from three-point range.
Streaming options for the game are available on the SEC Network, with a significant following expected as fans hope to see the Tigers capitalize on this opportunity. With both teams aiming to prove their capabilities, this matchup promises to be an exciting precursor to the Tigers’ SEC season.