Auburn hosts No. 12 Arizona on Friday with a chance to extend its nation-leading nonconference home winning streak to 70 games and claim the biggest nonconference home win in program history. The Tigers’ defense has started strong, but Arizona brings two high-scoring international standouts and three projected lottery picks. Auburn is looking to respond after a 29-point loss in Tucson last season.

By the Numbers
  • Auburn is 2-0; Arizona is 2-1.
  • Auburn’s nonconference home winning streak stands at 69 games.
  • Arizona’s Ivan Kharchenkov averages 24.7 points and 9 rebounds per game; Motiejus Krivas averages 18 points and 8 rebounds while shooting 73.1% from the field.
  • Auburn allows 56 points per game, ranking No. 7 nationally, and has held both opponents below 60.
  • Tahaad Pettiford averages 22 points per game, with 7 assists and 0 turnovers.
Yes, But

Auburn’s early defensive results are promising, but Arizona presents a far greater challenge than the Tigers’ first two opponents. The Wildcats routed Auburn 97-68 in last year’s meeting, though the Tigers return players who experienced that loss.

What’s Next

The teams meet Friday at 8 p.m. CT at Neville Arena, with the game airing on ESPN2. An Auburn win would set a program record for its highest-ranked nonconference home victory and push its streak to 70.

Bottom Line

Auburn’s defense and home-court advantage face an immediate test against Arizona’s elite talent—and the Tigers have a chance to turn that test into a historic win.