AUBURN, Ala. – University of Southern Indiana Men’s Basketball displayed promise for the 2021-22 season in a tough exhibition loss at Auburn University, 68-54, Friday evening in Auburn, Alabama.

The Screaming Eagles flew out of the gate, starting with a 9-0 run behind four points from junior forward Jacob Polakovich (Grand Rapids, Michigan); a three-pointer by junior guard/forward Jelani Simmons (Columbus, Ohio), and a bucket by freshman guard Elijah Jones (Chicago Heights, Illinois). USI would hold onto the lead until Auburn went on a 10-0 run to lead 23-21 with 5:17 left in the opening half.

The Eagles and the Tigers would trade leads for the final five of the first half until Auburn took a 34-32 advantage into the intermission. After the first 20 minutes, freshman guard Isaiah Swope (Newburgh, Indiana) was the first Eagle to reach double digits with 13 points.

USI opened the final half with a quick surge and regained the lead 38-37 on a dunk by Jones at 17:44. The Tigers would use a 4-0 run to regain the advantage, 41-38, before the Eagles exploded on a 16-5 run to get the lead back, 54-46.

During the run, USI was six-of-10 from the field, including a pair of three-pointers, and two-of-three from the line. Simmons led the charge with five of the 16 points, including a three-pointer that capped off the run with 9:02 to play.

Auburn responded with an 11-0 run to retake command of the contest and the lead for good with 6:22 remaining, 57-54. The Tigers extended the run to 22-0 in finishing out the 68-54 final, holding the Eagles scoreless for nine minutes.

In the final box, Swope would lead the Eagles in scoring with 15 points on six-of-14 from the field, including three three-pointers. Simmons joined Swope in double-figures with 10 points.

Polakovich and Jones led the Eagles on the glass with 10 rebounds each. USI lost the overall battle on the board, 39-36, despite being undersized.

COMING UP FOR USI:
USI starts the 2021-22 regular season on November 18 when it hosts Oakland City University at Screaming Eagles Arena. Tip-off is slated for 7 p.m.

The Eagles hold a 37-10 all-time series lead over the Mighty Oaks, dating back to USI’s first collegiate season in 1970. USI has won the last 14 meetings with Oakland City since a season split in the 1991-92 season.

The Mighty Oaks, who were 5-18 last season in the NAIA, started their 2021-22 campaign with a 74-64 win over Grace College. Oakland City has four more regular-season games to be played before coming to Evansville to visit the Eagles.