Auburn faces Missouri in hopes of Earning first Conference Win

Mustapha Heron (5) scored 20 points in Saturday's loss to Ole Miss (Photo: Auburn Athletics/Wade Rackley)

Auburn Basketball returns to the hardwood Tuesday evening, for a date with the Missouri Tigers inside Columbia’s Mizzou Arena. Auburn enters the game with a 0-3 record in the SEC following a loss to Ole Miss last Saturday, 88-85. Freshman Jared Harper took over the final minutes of the game, before being fouled out. He ended his night with 24 points. Mustapha Heron broke a school-record on Saturday night, that had been held since 1990-91. Heron scored 20 points in the game against Ole Miss, which marked his 15th straight game of double-digit scoring in a row. That feat has never been accomplished before by a freshman. The ex-record-holder, Wesley Person, scored double-figures in his first 14 games during the 1990-91 season. Ronnie Johnson tied his season-high rebounding total with 3, and was one point shy of his season-high 13 points, by scoring 12 off the bench. Auburn will be shorthanded heading into Tuesday’s game, as freshman forward Danjel Purifoy did not make the trip due to an ankle injury he suffered Saturday night. Purifoy averages 13.7 points per game, to go along with 5.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists. He is tied for second on the team with Harper in points scored, and is behind Heron in rebounds. Missouri enters the contest with a 5-9 record, 0-2 in SEC play. In their most recent game, the Tigers fell to Georgia in Athens, 71-66. The game, as well as their conference opener against LSU, Missouri, had a lead at the half before ultimately falling. Jordan Barnett and Kevin Puryear are the leading scorers. Puryear leads with 11.9 points per, with Barnett right behind him with 11.0. Missouri has solid depth on the bench, which will be key in the game against Auburn. In the loss to Georgia last Saturday, Terrance Phillips scored 20 points. Frankie Hughes averages 10.2 points per contest off the bench. Auburn faces Missouri Tuesday night in Columbia, tip off scheduled for 6 P.M.