After an impressive opening night win, Auburn welcomes a UL-Monroe team to town that badly needs a bounce-back performance.
When: Friday, November 12 at 8:00 pm ET on SEC Network+/ESPN+
Location: Auburn Arena, Auburn, AL
Two teams that arguably could not have had more opposite opening night showings, Auburn and UL-Monroe get set to meet on Friday night in front of what should once again be a loud Auburn Arena.
Auburn opened what should be an exciting 2021-22 campaign with a convincing 77-54 win at home over Morehead State, a team that should be one of the tops in the OVC this season. The No. 22 ranked Tigers shot a combined 46.4% from the field in the contest, while also adding a few other notable totals including 12 steals, eight blocks, and only committing six turnovers.
The Tigers saw impressive debuts from some of their offseason additions on Tuesday night led by guard Wendell Green Jr who added a game-high 19 points, while others such as Walker Kessler and Jabari Smith also stuffed the stat sheet, with Kessler adding a game-high five blocks. It was certainly an impressive first showing for Auburn and head coach Bruce Pearl, one that likely carries over here.
UL-Monroe on the other hand dropped their season-opener on the road against LSU by a final of 101-39. A game in which the Warhawks never led, UL-Monroe trailed by 32 entering the halftime break and struggled altogether as the Warhawks shot 27.7% from the field while committing 25 turnovers and being out-rebounded by 21.
A team that finished among the bottom of the Sun Belt a year ago, the Warhawks did return a few key players from last season’s team led by guards Russell Harrison and Elijah Gonzales, as well as forward Thomas Howell who led UL-Monroe with eight points against LSU. In addition to those three, UL-Monroe also added experienced Austin Peay transfer Reginald Gee in the offseason who will also play a key role.
Auburn will enter this game as the clear favorite, and rightfully so, as you could certainly argue that the Tigers are by far the better team in almost every facet. Expect the Warhawks to struggle once again in their second consecutive road game against a quality SEC opponent, while the Tigers’ multiple offseason additions should continue to shine in front of the home crowd.
Prediction: Auburn 85, UL-Monroe 52