In a stellar offensive showcase during the final nonconference game of the 2023–24 season, No. 25 Auburn dominated the Penn Quakers with a resounding 88–68 victory, securing their sixth consecutive win. Head Coach Bruce Pearl lauded his team’s “fantastic” performance, emphasizing the importance of their 11-2 record in nonconference play. With this achievement, Auburn positions itself favorably, boasting the best nonconference winning percentage in the SEC over the past seven years.
From the opening minutes, the Tigers took control, leading for an impressive 39 minutes and 17 seconds of game time, ultimately never relinquishing their advantage. This victory marked Auburn’s seventh win by a margin of 20 or more points this season, highlighting their dominance on the court, with none of their victories coming by fewer than 15 points.
BIG MAN BEHIND THE ARC😮💨 pic.twitter.com/yRrTnEEXyD
— Auburn Basketball (@AuburnMBB) January 3, 2024
Contrary to the slow starts that plagued the Tigers earlier in the nonconference schedule, this game witnessed another swift initiation. Building on the momentum from their previous game against Chattanooga, where they started with a 14-0 run, Auburn commenced the match against Penn with an 8-0 lead. The Tigers’ early success was fueled by their remarkable 3-point shooting in the first half, finishing with a 10-of-19 record from beyond the arc.
Coach Pearl expressed his confidence in the team’s shooting abilities, particularly praising players like Jaylin Williams, Tre Donaldson, K.D. Johnson, and Johni Broome, who each contributed two 3-pointers in the first half. Broome, in particular, stood out, making three 3-pointers in the game, marking a significant improvement since his last successful attempt on November 16 against Notre Dame. Broome’s 24-point, 12-rebound performance, including a season-high 28 minutes of play due to Dylan Cardwell’s foul trouble, showcased his pivotal role in the team’s success.
Despite a decline in shooting accuracy in the second half, where the Tigers managed only 15-of-34 from the field and 2-of-16 from 3-point range, they adapted their strategy by focusing on 2-point shots, achieving a commendable 72% success rate. The team’s commitment to sharing the ball and minimizing turnovers remained consistent, with 19 assists compared to just six turnovers in the game.
As Penn mounted a comeback with a 16-6 run early in the second half, players like Chad Baker-Mazara emerged as catalysts, helping the Tigers regain offensive momentum. Baker-Mazara’s season-best scoring performance of 16 points, nine of which came in the second half, underscored the team’s depth and versatility.
.@ChadBaker2700 clean👌 pic.twitter.com/jR69bq8U34
— Auburn Basketball (@AuburnMBB) January 3, 2024
While Auburn’s shooting performance dipped in the second half, Penn capitalized on opportunities, particularly from beyond the arc. The Quakers, led by Sam Brown’s 20 points, managed to convert seven 3-pointers in the latter half, showcasing their resilience.
With the nonconference segment completed, Auburn now shifts its focus to SEC play, commencing with a challenging away game against Arkansas at Bud Walton Arena. Coach Pearl acknowledged the significance of this upcoming conference play, emphasizing the need for the team to maintain its collective effort, especially against formidable opponents like Arkansas. As the Tigers prepare for the SEC challenge, their ability to adapt and showcase the strengths of multiple players bodes well for their continued success in the competitive conference.
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