Game Preview and Open Thread - Auburn vs Norfolk State

It was just an exhibition, it was just an exhibition, it was just an exhibition.

If you repeat that phrase three times, then maybe it’ll come true and basketball success will appear out of the mirror. Let’s just hope it doesn’t pull an actual Bloody Mary and kill us.

Auburn fell to Barry University in overtime in the Tigers’ exhibition game, but we received the news that we wouldn’t have Austin Wiley or Danjel Purifoy just earlier that day. It would’ve been a tough adjustment for pretty much anyone, but for a team that’s still trying to crack the code for success, it was a death blow against Barry.

Now, Wiley and Purifoy have apparently been cleared to practice, but not to play, maybe suggesting that we’ll only need to get through a few games (?) without them. Still, tonight will be one of those games.

It’s Auburn and Norfolk State from the Auburn Arena at 7 pm CT tonight for the 2017-18 season opener.

You can always listen in on any of your terrestrial radio affiliates to Rod Bramblett and Sonny Smith, and their call will spill over onto the SEC Network + video stream on WatchESPN. Of course, the call will be broadcast on TuneIn as well.

Last night, Bruce Pearl was on Tiger Talk, and spoke fairly candidly (although without specifics) about the current investigation into his program.

Honestly, I have little idea of what to expect tonight from the Tigers, especially without two of their stalwarts on the floor. I expect the team and coaching staff may also be waiting on tenterhooks to see exactly how things shake out for the early portion of the season. Norfolk State’s not a great team, so we should be able to win. Should.

Show us something tonight, Bruce! War Eagle!