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Photo Credit: Zach Bland/Auburn Tigers

Tigers pull ahead in second half to beat Georgia State

Bruce Pearl and the boys were able to right the ship following the loss to Memphis with a win over the visiting Georgia State Panthers, 72-64.

Jaylin Williams made his presence known with a game-high 20 points to go along with eight rebounds and three blocks. 

"Having confidence and trusting your teammates to be there for you," Williams said. "It makes it easier when everyone has confidence."

"Jaylin Williams was the best player on the floor," Pearl said. "Jaylin Williams Jaylin Williams is capable of being the best player on the floor. [He] needs to act like it all the time, accept it, relish it and see if he can play better and do more."

The Tigers were down three heading into halftime due to a mix of poor shooting and good defense by the physical Panthers.

In the second half, Auburn got the spark they needed from Freshman Tre Donaldson who led the charge for a 9-0 run in favor of the Tigers to take control. Donaldson checked in, got an assist to Dylan Cardwell, drove to the hoop for a layup, and found the bottom of the net from deep to transform a one-point lead to a 10-point lead.

"He gave me the opportunity and I took the most of my opportunity and helped lead my team to a win," said Donaldson. "That's all I can ask for."

Donaldson set new career highs in points, assists, steals and minutes against Georgia State (six points, three assists, three steals and 18 minutes).

Auburn turned up the heat defensively in the second half and matched their season high in blocks with 11. The Tigers also forced three shot clock violations.

Wendell Green Jr celebrated his 1000th point on one of his 11 made free throws compiling 19 points on the game.

Auburn has now won 25 straight home games and is tied at third for the longest active streak. (Gonzaga, 72; Texas Tech, 27; Kentucky, 25)

The Tigers set out on a west coast road trip this weekend with Southern California on Sunday at 4:30 PM CT and Washington on Wednesday at 8PM CT.