Auburn Basketball's final exhibition game before the season opener against Vermont was a showcase of the team's impressive depth and offensive firepower. Six Tigers finished with double-digit point totals in the 102-70 victory over Florida Atlantic, with newcomers Tahaad Pettiford and Jahki Howard leading the charge.

Unleashing the Next Generation of Auburn Basketball Talent

Freshmen Duo Dazzles in Preseason Finale

Pettiford and Howard, the highly-touted freshmen, combined for 26 points in the exhibition, building on their impressive performances in Auburn's previous preseason matchup. Pettiford, the skilled point guard, scored 12 points and dished out 5 assists, showcasing his playmaking abilities and confidence from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, Howard, the athletic wing, poured in 14 points and added 4 steals, thrilling the crowd with his explosive plays on both ends of the floor.Head coach Bruce Pearl was effusive in his praise of the young duo, highlighting their instinctive play and coachability. "They're fun to play with. I bet they're fun to watch," said senior Johni Broome. "They're explosive. They bring the excitement to the Jungle." Pearl echoed these sentiments, noting the freshmen's desire to learn and improve, despite the challenges of adjusting to the college game.

Veteran Leadership Complements Youthful Exuberance

Alongside the freshmen standouts, Auburn's veteran core also made its presence felt. Broome and transfer Miles Kelly led the team with 15 points each, providing a steadying influence and complementing the energy of the newcomers. Broome, in particular, spoke glowingly of the impact the freshmen have had on the team, praising their game-changing abilities and the excitement they bring to the court.This blend of experienced leadership and youthful talent has Pearl and the Auburn faithful excited for the season ahead. "I think they play pretty unselfishly," the coach remarked, highlighting the team's unselfish play as a key strength.

Preparing for the Season Opener Against Vermont

With the exhibition games now behind them, the Tigers turn their attention to the season opener against Vermont on November 6th. The freshmen will have the opportunity to showcase their skills on the big stage, as they look to build on their impressive preseason performances and help lead Auburn to a successful start to the campaign.As the anticipation builds, the Auburn community eagerly awaits the debut of this dynamic team, eager to see the freshmen phenoms continue to ignite the Tigers' offense and propel the program to new heights.