Auburn basketball: Streaking Tigers bring nation’s longest winning streak to Coleman Coliseum

By Caleb Suggs | Jan 17, 2018

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 12: Head coach Bruce Pearl of the Auburn basketball Tigers reacts against the Boston College Eagles in the first half of the Under Armour Reunion at Madison Square Garden on December 12, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

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An unexpected twist

News broke in September of a huge scandal involving corruption and pay for play that rocked all of NCAA basketball. Louisville head coach Rick Pitino was soon ousted from his job because of the scandal.

Another notable coach that was ousted was Auburn basketball assistant Chuck Persons. Not only did it cost him his job, but Persons also faced felony charges for corruption.

The scandal also cost the Tigers two of their best players in Austin Wiley and Danjel Purifoy.

At last check, the NCAA had ruled Wiley ineligible for this season, and he will be able to come back next season. Auburn is still waiting to hear on a ruling on Purifoy. Both are still with the team, but Coach Pearl recently stated he expects both to test the NBA waters this off-season.

After that, preseason predictions for the Tigers went from bright to dark. Auburn basketball was given a prediction of finishing just 4-14 in the SEC. Things looked so grim for the Tigers that the school even offered season ticket refunds.

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