Pettiford Drops 26 as Auburn Basketball Improves to 2-0 Over Appalachian State

Pettiford sets early pace

Appalachian State opened with a three-pointer from Jaylon Colon, but Pettiford quickly put Auburn ahead with a layup and a three. He added an and-one, making the free throw to account for the Tigers’ first eight points.

Auburn built a 13-point lead during a 15-4 stretch. The Mountaineers answered with a 16-5 run, cutting the gap to two in the final six minutes of the first half.

Auburn pulls away after halftime

After a slow opening to the second half, Auburn surged with an 18-5 run midway through the period. The Tigers outscored Appalachian State 37-17 after halftime and won by 22 points.

Steven Pearl’s team led for nearly 39 minutes. Auburn shot 40% from the field, compared with 32% for the Mountaineers.

Bench provides scoring support

Pettiford was the only Auburn player to reach double figures. Adam Olsen and Kolby King scored nine points apiece off the bench, while Auburn’s reserves combined for 34 points to Appalachian State’s 13.

Narcisse Ngoy led Auburn with 11 rebounds and added to a combined 10 points and four blocks with Bukky Oboye. Kevin Overton scored five points, shooting 1-of-6 from the field and 2-of-4 at the free-throw line.

Arizona game puts streak at stake

Auburn improved to 2-0 and extended its non-conference home winning streak to 69 games, the longest in college basketball. The streak will be on the line against No. 13 Arizona on Friday.