Auburn rallies back to beat Milwaukee 83-73

Writer's Note: I will not discuss my intense dislike for Bruce Pearl. But needless to say he's my least favorite person in college basketball.

This was a game of runs as Auburn rode a second half wave to victory over the reigning Horizon League champions. The Wisconsin-Milwaukee Panthers were held scoreless over 3 minutes to start the game and were down by 9 before the first TV time out.  They outscored the Tigers 30 to 20 to end the half up by 3 points.  Milwaukee then went on to extend their lead to 10 with 13:28 second half.

The real turning point was when junior forward Matt Tiby fouled out with 5:30 left in the game. He was his usual instigating self in the paint yet he drew less fouls and than attention. After averaging over 6 free throws a game last season he shot 0-2 from the charity stripe tonight.

Auburn had a three headed scoring attack with KT Harrel putting in 20 points, Antoine Mason posting 19 points and Cinmeon Bowers scoring 18 points. Bowers was especially effective against Tiby and had 17 rebounds.

Milwaukee sophomore Akeem Springs led all scorers with 21 points and he led the Panthers with 7 rebounds and 3 assists. Tiby was held to 8 points on 3-9 shooting.

Milwaukee shot fantastic from inside the arc, hitting 60.5% of their twos, but they struggled hitting only 7 of their 21 attempts from three point range.

Bruce Pearl during an in game interview mentioned how great it was to be coaching again after three years, and how special it was to do it against his former employer.

Milwaukee will next play Monday against the Minnesota Crookston Golden Eagles in Milwaukee while Auburn travels to take on the Colorado Buffaloes.