Overview
- Keyshawn Hall scored 28 points, including seven in overtime, to carry Auburn to the season-opening win.
- Regulation continued after Elyjah Freeman fouled Arterio Morris on a half-court heave, and Morris made all three free throws to tie it at 81.
- Newcomers KeShawn Murphy (17 points, eight rebounds, four assists) and Sebastian Williams‑Adams (15 points) bolstered Auburn’s frontcourt.
- Bethune‑Cookman shot over 50% from the field and 12-for-22 from three as Auburn’s zone and transition defense faltered, while the Tigers held a 27-of-38 to 8-of-9 edge at the free-throw line.
- Steven Pearl labeled the victory “bittersweet” and emphasized improvement, as No. 20 Auburn pushed its nonconference win streak to 61 and hosts Merrimack on Thursday.