AUBURN, Ala. — Auburn defeated Furman 74-56 Tuesday at Neville Arena. After trailing 13-12 at the end of the first quarter, the Tigers took control, outscoring the Paladins 14-8 in the second quarter, 26-14 in the third and 22-21 in the fourth. The win improved Auburn to 3-0.
The Jungle drew a record-setting crowd of just over seven thousand people to celebrate Education Day. The crowd brought plenty of energy throughout the game, creating an atmosphere that head coach Larry Vickers said even made it difficult for the team to hear his calls.
“I joked on radio that we’re going to have to practice with the speakers on next year because the team couldn’t hear my calls,” said Vickers. “We appreciate Lee County School District for working with us.”
Auburn started the game with an early lead, but Furman responded with a 7-0 run to take control. The Paladins carried a 13-12 advantage into the second quarter, setting up the Tigers' response.
Furman extended its lead to five points after a 3-pointer from Alyssa Ervin, putting the Paladins ahead 21-16 with 4:33 remaining in the half, but Ja'Mia Harris capped off the stretch with a transition layup and a free throw, sending the Tigers into halftime with a 26-21 lead.
Auburn carried its momentum into the third quarter, scoring the first nine points to extend its run to 19-0. Kaitlyn Duhon and Phoenix Stotijn added early baskets before Harris hit a 3-pointer to give the Tigers a 35-21 lead. Sophia Pearl ended the run with a 3-pointer for Furman, but Auburn maintained control.
The Tigers continued to build their lead throughout the third quarter, outscoring Furman 26-14 to take a 52-35 advantage into the final quarter.
Auburn extended its advantage in the fourth quarter, leading by as many as 23 points. Stotijn contributed eight points in the period, while Zaniyah Williams added two 3-pointers to help the Tigers maintain their lead.
Stotijn led Auburn with 20 points, shooting 7-for-9 from the field. Williams and Harris each finished with eight points, while Duhon added seven. Furman's Clare Coyle led all scorers with 22 points.
Despite the 18-point victory, Vickers said the Tigers still have work to do, emphasizing the need for greater consistency and execution over a full 40 minutes.
“I haven't seen this team put together a 40-minute basketball game yet,” Vickers said. “That's what we're looking to see. I want us to lock in, concentrate, eliminate the turnovers. Hopefully that will come as we prepare for our next matchup.”
Auburn will travel to Lubbock, Texas, to face Texas Tech at United Supermarkets Arena at 6 p.m. CT on Friday.
