Despite having a 14-point second half lead, the Tigers' defense fell apart and Auburn ended up losing to Northwestern State 111-92.
Auburn led the Northwestern State Demons 48-39 at halftime, following Chris Denson's lead with 20 points in the half.
Then Auburn came out stronger in the first four minutes of the second half and increased its lead to 14 points.
But Northwestern State's fast-paced offense took advantage of Auburn's defensive struggles.
"Instead of stepping on the gas and putting them away it's almost like we relaxed. And at that point on our defense just was nonexistent," Auburn Head Coach Tony Barbee said.
After falling behind 63-49 with 16:30 remaining in the game, the Demons took control and went on a 22-7 run to take a 75-73 lead midway through the second half.
Once Northwestern State got its initial lead they did not look back.
The Demons' offense shot 67.6 percent in the second half, including seven three-pointers.
"To have a team shoot 67 percent and score 72 points in a half and score 111 in our building, after holding them to 34 percent in the first half. Unacceptable," Barbee said.
In Northwestern State's first game of the season they went 0-for-17 from three-point range but against Auburn they shot 14-of-27 from beyond the arch.
Northwestern State led the country in points per game and made the NCAA Tournament after winning the Southland Conference last season.
"The mindset is you're not supposed to win and my approach is you are supposed to win," Northwestern State Head Coach Mike McConathy said regarding his team getting a road win over an SEC school.
The Northwestern State Demons improve to 2-0, while Auburn goes to 1-1 on the year.
"It's not disappointing. It's a long season," Auburn Head Coach Tony Barbee said. "It's a learning experience. We have to get back in the gym and learn from it."
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