Auburn, AL (EETV)- Auburn began their season with a 96-91 win over the St. Joseph's Hawks in the Fort Myers Tip-Off. The Tigers would be without Sharife Cooper who is still waiting on the status of his elgibility.
After trailing for most of the game, the Hawks mounted a comeback late in the second half to take a one point lead with 59 seconds remaining. The Tigers forced overtime after Devan Cambridge found Jaylin Williams for a dunk.
In overtime the Tigers were able to win the game at the free throw line after several personal fouls from the Hawks. "It was a good win from a young team," said head coach Bruce Pearl. "We had a freshman point guard Justin Powell who didn't turn the ball over and Jaylin Williams showed that he was the best player on the floor."
Powell had a breakout debut with 17 points and 7 rebounds in his first game for the Tigers. Jaylin Williams led Auburn with 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assists.
"It was a great win for us, Williams said, " We have a young team and they had alot of older guys. We had to switch the one through five spots."
Auburn will take on the numer one ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs Friday morning at 10am CT. Coverage of that game will be on FOX.
