Auburn (3-0) got off to a hot start by racing out to a 30-8 lead with 7:10 to go in the first half. Auburn then hit a mid-game lull by allowing Kent State (2-1) to cut the lead to 41-37 with 15:38 remaining in the game before going on a surge that ended with a 23-point victory.

There were no signs of a letdown or hangover against Kent State, and despite some cold shooting at times, Auburn earned a 79-56 win. Here are three takeaways from Wednesday’s game:

Auburn men's basketball earned a 79-56 win over Kent State, opening with a strong run and maintaining a steady lead. Despite a second-half rally from Kent State, Auburn’s defense and success in the paint secured the victory.