Auburn blew a double-digit halftime lead and suffered a 70-69 overtime loss to UNC-Asheville on Friday.

The loss ruined the debut of new Tigers coach Tony Barbee and reinforced the fact that he has a long way to go to build the Tigers into a contender.

Auburn returned just 12 percent of its scoring from last season and had already lost to Division II Columbus State in an exhibition. However, things started out just fine for the Tigers, as they jumped out to a 37-21 lead at the half.

But where Auburn is young, UNC-Asheville (1-0) is an experienced team that’s projected to finish second in the Big South Conference.

The veteran Bulldogs didn’t quit.

UNC-Asheville opened the second half on a 12-4 run to make it 41-33 with just over 12 minutes to play. The Bulldogs battled and battled until D.J. Cunningham tipped in the second of two missed free throws by J.P. Prim with 29 seconds left to tie the game, 63-63.

Earnest Ross missed a three-pointer that would have won it for the Tigers and the Bulldogs got off to a fast start in overtime.

Jaron Lane gave UNC-Asheville the lead for good with a three-point-play but Kenny Gabriel hit a three-pointer to bring Auburn within 70-69 with 1:57 to go.

Neither team scored again but Auburn had the ball for the final possession but looked disorganized and turned it over as time ran out.
Matt Dickey led the Bulldogs with 18 points.