Varez Ward scored 17 points and Auburn is off to its best start in eight seasons after an 84-71 victory over visiting North Florida on Saturday.

Frankie Sullivan, who moved into the starting lineup for the first time, scored 13 points, Kenny Gabriel added 15 points and 13 rebounds and Chris Denson scored 12 for Auburn (6-1). Rob Chubb added 12 rebounds.
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North Florida (5-6) had its four-game winning streak broken. The Osprey were led by Travis Wallace with 13 points and seven rebounds and Andy Diaz scored 11.

North Florida made eight 3-pointers, but lost ground at the free throw line by making only 11-of-25.

It was Auburn's sixth straight win at home, the longest in the two-year history of Auburn Arena and the Tigers best since winning seven straight at home during the 2008-09 season.