Dec. 20, 2007

Final Stats

Southern University came close, but just missed a golden opportunity to break a six-game losing streak as it dropped a 71-63 decision to Auburn in Game 1 of the Coors Classic at the University of South Alabama Mitchell Center on Saturday night.

Jazz Williams led Southern (1-7) with 14 points, while Joe Holliday added 11. Although Southern shot only 38.5 percent in the first half, it improved to 53.8 percent in the second, thanks in part to several Auburn turnovers which led to easy baskets.

"It was a good ballgame for us in the aspect that we played competitively enough to give ourselves a chance," Jaguars coach Rob Spivery said. "I can see us coming (together) as a basketball team and as we play a few more games before we get into conference play, it's going to help be ready when that time comes."

Auburn outrebounded SU 37-25, and was able to get points off fast breaks. The Tigers (5-2) were led by Quan Prowell, who finished the night with 21 points -- including 4 of 5 from 3-point range. Game MVP Rasheem Barett had 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Korvotney Barber chipped in 15.

Neither team set the world on fire from the free-throw line --Southern was 8 of 14 (57.1 percent), while Auburn was barely better, shooting only 58.8 percent (10 of 17).

Prowell's 3-pointer gave Auburn a 61-48 lead with eight minutes left in the game. But Southern stayed within striking distance with turnovers to produce a 6-2 run and got a break four minutes later when Prowell fouled out.

Williams' free throws pulled the Jaguars to within three, 66-63, with 57.5 seconds left in the game. Southern began to press and forced Auburn to use a timeout. After the timeout, Auburn broke the press and ran some time off the clock.

Auburn managed to widen the gap after Quantez Robertson hit the first of two free throws after being fouled by Williams. Barrett nailed a pair of free throws and Reed followed up with a dunk off a steal for the final margin.