Nov. 18, 2005

AUBURN - Auburn freshmen KeKe Carrier and DeWanna Bonner led the Tigers in Auburn's 85-32 season-opening victory over Texas-Pan American Friday night at Beard-Eaves-Memorial Coliseum.

Carrier contributed 21 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double in her career debut and Bonner followed up with 19 points in her first collegiate contest.

Carrier's 21 points are the most by a freshman since the 2000 season when Le'Coe Willingham scored 22 vs. Mississippi State. Her double-double is also the first by a freshman since Alexis Ogubie vs. Kentucky on Feb. 13, 2005, as she scored 11 points and added 11 rebounds.

"The freshmen came in here knowing that they would play, needed to score points for us, and play with focus," Auburn head coach Nell Fortner said. "KeKe (Carrier) had a very strong game. She had a double-double and worked hard for that. DeWanna (Bonner) had a strong outing as well. She is shooting the three very well for us."

"It was good to get the season started," Carrier said. "I was excited and kept waiting for this game to get here."

Sophomore Alexis Ogubie also scored in double figures adding 13 points and five rebounds on the night. Senior Marita Payne just missed a double-double with eight points and eight rebounds. Senior guard Nitasha Brown tied a career high with six assists, while adding seven points and five steals.

The Tigers shot 52.6 percent from the field (30-of-57) and were 6-of-16 from behind the arc for a 37.5 percent mark. Auburn held UTPA to just 17.6 percent from the field, just 9-of-51. Texas-Pan American's top scorer was Dottie Knerr with 10 points.

Auburn's win over the Broncos gives the Tigers a 27-8 record in season-openers and is now 100-3 vs. non-conference opponents at home since Jan. 5, 1992.

Auburn travels to Kent State Sunday for a 1 p.m. CT matchup with the Kent State Golden Flashes. Live audio can be heard on www.auburntigers.com or on the radio at 97.7 FM WKKR.