Thursday, Dec. 16 8:00pm ET
Tigers bury Asheville early
 
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AUBURN, Ala. (AP) -- Auburn (No. 10 ESPN/USA Today, No. 8 AP) had 29 points and North Carolina-Asheville was still looking for its first.

The Tigers didn't allow a point until the 11:04 mark of the first half, then went on to an 86-30 victory over the Bulldogs on Thursday night. It was the fewest points Auburn has allowed since a 107-25 victory over Lynn University on Feb. 14, 1995.

"We executed extremely well in the first 10 minutes of the game," Auburn coach Joe Ciampi said. "We had an impressive outing overall."

Turning it over the reserves early, the Tigers (7-1) led by as many as 63 points. They outrebounded the Bulldogs (0-6) 50-27, holding them to 23 percent shooting and five first-half field goals.

Auburn forced 30 turnovers and committed 18 with 11 players getting at least 11 minutes of action.

The Tigers had more players score (13) than UNC-Asheville had field goals (12).

Shana Askew scored 16 points and was 4-of-6 from 3-point range despite playing just 18 minutes, while Tasha Hamilton had 14 points and four steals in 21 minutes, the most of any Auburn player.

"I was pleased with our starting five tonight," Ciampi said. "They had a number of opportunities and they took them."

Reserve Joy Marschall led the Bulldogs with nine points. Center Tonisha Jackson had 12 rebounds, three blocked shots and two steals, but was limited to three points.

The Tigers cruised to a 45-14 halftime lead, shooting 53 percent. The Tigers had 21 offensive rebounds.

It was their second straight blowout win since losing to No. 9 Penn State and Ciampi says that's no coincidence.

"Our play in the last two games all stems from the Penn State loss," said Ciampi, whose team beat UAB 96-71 on Tuesday. "I have been pleased with our ability to come back from that game. We have made a commitment to be an up-tempo team and we have shown that in these last few games."
 


ALSO SEE
Womens College Basketball Scoreboard

North Carolina Asheville Clubhouse

Auburn Clubhouse