The Auburn men’s basketball team returned to play Wednesday night at Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum for the first time since their home opener against Kennesaw State on Nov. 13.  Playing with only seven scholarship players, the cardio kids continued to overcome adversity beating a decent Mercer team 68-59 and improving their record to 6-2.  “It is nice to be at home,” coach Jeff Lebo said. “Six of our first seven on the road and traveling has been tough, especially with our lack of depth.” The five-week road trip is the longest since the 1975-76 season.  The Tigers went 4-1 in that stretch.

Playing with a razor-thin roster, the Tigers have had to rely on gutsy performances by their veterans.  Junior Rasheem Barrett stepped up to answer the call against the Bears, leading Auburn scorers with 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 steals.  Forward Quan Prowell, playing in only his third game, contributed in a big way in the form of 16 points and 5 rebounds.  Auburn also got solid performances from Korvotney Barber and Frank Tolbert, who chipped in 10 points apiece.  Barber was overwhelming defensively, recording five blocked shots.  As expected, Auburn had no answer for Mercer guard James Florence, who lead all scorers with 25 points and 7 rebounds.  Florence scored at will from the 3-point arch, making a total of five 3-pointers on the night.  Auburn lead 30-21 at halftime and dominated the points in the paint in the second half on route to their second win in a row.  Auburn (6-2) returns to action at home Dec. 22 against Alabama A&M and does not go on the road again until a trip to Gainesville on Jan. 12.