Instant Analysis: Auburn wins overtime thriller over St. Joe’s in season opener

Auburn led for most of the game but the Tigers couldn’t hold off a St. Joe’s comeback in the season opener.

The long wait for the start of basketball season finally came to an end on Thursday as Auburn took the court for the first time since March 7 and the Tigers won an overtime thriller over St. Joe’s, 96-91, in the Fort Myers Tip-Off Classic.

Here are some instant thoughts following the game:

  • Allen Flanigan looks much more mature than he did just 10 months ago. He is going to have to be a leader for the this team and he proved he is capable of it.
  • Well done, Justin Powell. That was a heckuva debut in an Auburn uniform. He handled the point well against a team that loves to pressure and took advantages of the times he was open, making three three-pointers. And those were two clutch free throws to seal the game.
  • It makes sense that a missed block out would almost cost the Tigers the lead and game. It has been a problem for quite some time now.
  • Where, exactly, was that foul on Akingbola that they called with less than two minutes left?

  • Stretch might be the most fun player to watch this season.
  • Jaylin Williams might be Auburns’ most complete player and he showed why against the Hawks. The sophomore recorded a double-double, his first as a Tiger.
  • The play call for the tying bucket at the end of regulation? Chef’s kiss.
  • I’m really hoping they mop the floor before the game tomorrow. The amount of slipping was dangerous. It reminded me of the court in Maui before that arena got air conditioning.
  • Speaking of, I went outside onto my balcony and yelled toward the arena for them to mop the floor. I’m not sure if they heard me or not.

  • As expected, the Tigers were a bit rusty it their half-court offense but that comes with all the youth and inexperience on the team. It will get better but has a long way to go to become a strength.
  • No surprise here either but this team is athletic as you can get. Offensive rebounding can definitely be a strength.
  • Dylan Cardwell had the ball under the rim a couple of times and … looked to pass it back out? He looks extremely uncomfortable with the ball in his hands.
  • Devan Cambridge tried to rush a few shots in the first half instead of letting his shot come to him. A couple of his three-point attempts were ill advised.
  • It’s the first part of the season but, wow, the refs called this game like it was the Final Four, especially on screens. There had to be at least five or six calls just in the second half on illegal screens. Some were obvious. Some, not so much.
  • Being able to play 10 or more players will help this team, especially this season. These guys are going to get a lot of experience and that continues tomorrow against top-ranked Gonzaga.

Auburn men’s basketball 2020-21 roster