Auburn Faces Arizona With Two Winning Streaks at Risk

Auburn’s first major test of the season comes against No. 12 Arizona on November 13. The unranked Tigers have opened with wins over Southeastern Louisiana and Appalachian State, each by more than 20 points, and are early favorites, with ESPN analytics giving them a 57% chance to win.

A victory would extend Auburn’s active seven-game winning streak, which began after a loss to Tennessee in last season’s regular-season finale. The Tigers won five NIT games, and Michigan’s recent defeat by UConn gives Auburn a chance to hold college basketball’s longest active streak while it continues winning.

Auburn also brings a 69-game run of home nonconference victories into the matchup. Beating Arizona would make it 70. The Wildcats are Auburn’s last ranked opponent before January and the biggest immediate challenge to both streaks.

For Auburn, Narcisse Ngoy and Bukky Oboye must contribute in the paint without getting into foul trouble. The Tigers’ guards, including their reserves, also face the task of keeping pace with an Arizona offense averaging 92.7 points per game. The Wildcats opened their season against UCLA.

The game is scheduled for 8 p.m. CT on ESPN2. A loss would end the streaks, but Auburn would have further opportunities to regain its footing.