Auburn's high-powered offense was on full display as they dismantled Queens 106-65 at Neville Arena. The Tigers' 41-point margin of victory was a reflection of their balanced attack, with three players scoring 18 points or more. Elyjah Freeman led the charge, pouring in 27 points to pace Auburn. Kevin Overton added 23 points, while Keyshawn Hall contributed 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists.
The game was all but over by halftime, as Auburn built a commanding 57-21 lead. The Tigers' offense was nearly unstoppable in the first half, with Freeman and Overton combining for 30 points. Queens, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm, with Nasir Mann's 6 points leading the way. Mann would finish with a team-high 13 points, but it was not enough to stem the tide of Auburn's onslaught.
In the second half, Auburn continued to push the pace, outscoring Queens 49-44. While the Royals showed some signs of life, they were unable to mount a serious comeback. Auburn's lead ballooned to as many as 45 points, and the Tigers were able to empty their bench in the game's final minutes.
The lopsided victory was not entirely unexpected, given the significant disparity in talent and experience between the two teams. Auburn, ranked 28th in the nation, was expected to dominate Queens, which came into the game with a 12-9 record and a net ranking of 197. The outcome was never truly in doubt, and the Tigers' performance was a reflection of their superiority.
The win improves Auburn's record to 13-7, and while it may not be a marquee victory, it is still an important one for the Tigers' resume. As a Quadrant 4 game, the win does not carry significant weight, but it does help to bolster Auburn's overall record. For Queens, the loss is a Quadrant 1 game, which could have implications for their tournament chances down the line. Despite the loss, the Royals can take some solace in the fact that they were able to compete in the second half, and Mann's performance was a bright spot on an otherwise difficult day.
Ultimately, the outcome of this game will have little impact on the national landscape, but it does serve as a reminder of Auburn's potency on offense. With Freeman, Overton, and Hall leading the way, the Tigers have the potential to make some noise in the tournament. For now, they will continue to build their resume, one win at a time. The victory over Queens may not be a signature win, but it is still an important one, and it will help to keep Auburn's tournament hopes alive.