Auburn Tigers guard Tahaad Pettiford scored 26 points to lead his team to a 75–53 victory over the Appalachian State Mountaineers on Monday night in Auburn, Alabama.
Pettiford made 8 of 16 field goals, hit three three-pointers and converted all seven free throws. He scored 12 of those points before halftime, when Eren Banks led Appalachian State with 13 points and the Mountaineers trailed 38–36.
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Banks finished with 19 points to lead Appalachian State. Jaylen Colon added 11 points and 7 rebounds. George Kimble III had a fast-break dunk that gave Auburn a 21–10 lead within the first eight minutes.
Pettiford responded to a Banks layup with a three-point play, putting Auburn ahead 43–39 early in the second half. The Tigers then extended their advantage over the remainder of the game.
Auburn shot 41% from the field, 8 of 24 from three-point range and 17 of 23 at the free-throw line. Appalachian State shot 32% overall, 7 of 28 from beyond the arc and 10 of 16 at the line.
Auburn reserve guard Adam Olsen scored 9 points, making 3 of 7 three-point attempts. Reserve forward Kolby King added 9 points and 4 rebounds.
Appalachian State travels to Charlotte on Friday. Auburn hosts No. 12 Arizona on Friday.
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