No. 25 Auburn hosts No. 24 Troy, North Alabama in midweek action – Auburn Tigers – Official Athletics Website Javascript is required.
In a highly anticipated midweek basketball matchup on November 18, 2024, the No. 4 Auburn Tigers hosted the North Alabama Lions at Neville Arena in Auburn, Alabama. The Tigers showcased their dominance with a decisive 102-69 victory, bolstered by a standout performance from Johni Broome, who amassed 30 points and 17 rebounds.
Game Overview
Auburn entered the game with a 3-0 record, having previously secured wins against Vermont, No. 4 Houston, and Kent State. Their defense had been particularly formidable, allowing an average of just 56.0 points per game. North Alabama, on the other hand, came in with a 3-1 record, their sole loss being a narrow 97-96 overtime defeat to Samford. The Lions’ offense had been prolific, averaging 87.5 points per game, leading the Atlantic Sun Conference.
First Half Highlights
The Lions started strong, challenging Auburn’s defense and even taking the lead twice in the first half. However, with 5:12 remaining before halftime, North Alabama hit a three-pointer to seize the lead, which seemed to ignite Auburn’s offense. Johni Broome then took control, scoring seven consecutive points to initiate an 18-4 run. He added another six points during this surge, propelling the Tigers to a double-digit lead by halftime.
Second Half Dominance
Building on their momentum, Auburn continued to assert their dominance in the second half. Broome remained a central figure, finishing the game with 30 points, which tied his career-best in three seasons at Auburn. His previous high was 32 points against Murray State in March 2022, during his tenure at Morehead State.
Complementing Broome’s efforts, Denver Jones contributed 13 points and achieved a career-high nine assists, showcasing his versatility in his new role as the starting point guard. Chad Baker-Mazara and Miles Kelly also made significant contributions, each adding 12 points to the scoreboard.
North Alabama’s Performance
Despite the loss, North Alabama displayed moments of offensive prowess. Junior guard Jacari Lane led the Lions with 16 points, while Daniel Ortiz and Will Soucie each added 15 points. The Lions had been averaging 92.3 points over their previous three games and managed to challenge Auburn’s defense early on. However, sustaining that intensity against a top-tier team proved challenging.
Strategic Insights
Auburn’s decision to reposition Denver Jones from shooting guard to point guard has paid dividends. His ability to facilitate ball movement has been instrumental in creating a fluid and dynamic offense for the Tigers. This strategic shift has allowed Auburn to maximize their offensive potential, as evidenced by their impressive scoring in this matchup.
Looking Ahead
Following this victory, Auburn improved their record to 4-0. The Tigers were set to have a week-long break before facing No. 5 Iowa State in the Maui Invitational on November 25, 2024. This upcoming game promised to be a significant test, pitting two top-five teams against each other in a high-stakes environment.
North Alabama, with a 3-2 record after this game, aimed to regroup and focus on their next challenge against Louisiana-Monroe on Saturday in Natchitoches, Louisiana. The Lions demonstrated potential and resilience, and they looked to build upon their experiences as they progressed through the season.
Conclusion
The midweek clash between Auburn and North Alabama highlighted the Tigers’ offensive depth and strategic adaptability. Johni Broome’s exceptional performance underscored his pivotal role in Auburn’s lineup, while the team’s overall cohesion suggested a promising trajectory for the remainder of the season. North Alabama, despite the setback, showcased talent and determination, indicating potential for growth and success in their upcoming endeavors.
