AUBURN, Ala. (AP)—Matt Dickey had 18 points and J.P. Primm 16 to lead North Carolina-Asheville to a 70-69 overtime win over Auburn on Friday night, spoiling new Tigers coach Tony Barbee’s debut.
The Bulldogs erased a 16-point halftime deficit and forced overtime on forward John Williams’ putback with 33 seconds left.
UNC Asheville built a five-point lead in overtime that Auburn managed to trim to one. Tigers point guard Josh Wallace had a chance at the game-winning basket in the final seconds but turned the ball over while driving to the hoop.
It spoiled the christening of the $86 million Auburn Arena, the Tigers’ new home after spending 42 years across the street at Beard-Eaves-Memorial Stadium.
Four players reached double figures for Auburn. Kenny Gabriel finished with 18 points and 13 rebounds. Allen Payne scored 14 points, Earnest Ross 12 and Andre Malone 11.
