Gators fall to Tigers in a match that earns them their first SEC victory of the season
The No. 23 Auburn Tigers SEC play opened with a tight, low-scoring battle with the Florida Gators Auburn’s Neville Arena
Florida’s Colin Castleton tied the game at 56-56 with 2:08 remaining in the game on a free throw. Auburn and Florida would trade baskets over the final two minutes, but a layup by Johni Broome would give Auburn the final lead, and a layup by Wendell Green Jr. at the buzzer would solidify the Tigers’ first SEC win of the season, as they defeated Florida, 61-58 on Wednesday night.
As this has been repeated throughout the season, the second-half saw a significant increase in offensive production. Auburn managed 48% while the Tigers shot only 28.6% in the first quarter.
The increase in offensive productivity was partly due to the efforts made by Green, Broome,, and Jaylin WilliamsEach player scored at least 10 points in the second period. Broome was the star of the show, scoring 14 points and 11 rebounds to end the night.
The offensive struggles of the Tigers to open the SEC slate were not a success. Auburn was the dominant team for the majority of the first period, even though they only shot 8-28 from field. Florida took the lead at the 10:24 of the second half. Kowacie Reynolds made a layup that gave Florida a 14-13 lead. Auburn gained the lead again thirty seconds later after a jumper by Johni Broome remained in the lead until the 249 mark, when Myreon was able to make his second free throw to tie the game at 20-20.
The Gators led by as many as six points over the final three minutes of the half, but Auburn would cut Florida’s lead to 26-23 with one-second remaining thanks to a three-pointer by Wendell Green Jr.
The final shot of the first half swung momentum to Auburn’s side, especially to Green. Green, who had only scored three points in the first period, scored 10 points within the first four minutes.
His quick start was instrumental in Auburn’s pursuit of its first lead in the half. Johni Broome[autotag] Auburn took a 32-30 lead with a layup at 17:23. This erased a Florida lead of three points at halftime.
Auburn will take its’ first SEC road trip next Wednesday when they visit rival Georgia For a 5:30 PM CT tipoff, Stegeman Coliseum In Athens
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