If losing to instate rival Alabama on Wednesday was painful for previously undefeated Auburn, then Saturday’s loss was Payne-full.
The Florida Gators bested No.4 Auburn 69-47 behind solid defense and breakthrough performance from freshman Omar Payne. The freshman was 9-of-9 from the field for a career-high 19 points and 11 rebounds — also his first career double-double. Payne came into the game averaging just 4.3 points and 4.1 rebounds per game but was everything the Gators’ needed on Saturday.
Payne’s presence on the glass helped Florida tremendously. Auburn came into Saturday’s game averaging 42.1 rebounds a game — top in the SEC.