An aggressive defense could lead Auburn back to respectability and that’s exactly what was on display in an 84-62 rout of McNeese State in Friday’s season opener.

Auburnbuilt an 11-0 lead in the first five minutes and never let up, forcing 17 turnovers courtesy of intense ball pressure from a speedy backcourt. The Tigers don’t seem to have a true dynamic scorer so their team defense could be the key to bouncing back from a string of disappointing seasons. They have posted just one winning season in the SEC since their last NCAA tournament appearance in 2003.

Still, there was enough offense on display to create a blowout. Rob Chubb scored a career-high 21 points and dominated the paint against two 6-foot-9 shot-blockers from McNeese State (0-1). The junior center was one of four Tigers in double figures, a solid balanced attack for a team that finished second-to-last in scoring in the SEC last season.

Varez Ward dished out five assists in his first start since 2009 at the University of Texas. The energy of the sophomore point guard will dictate Auburn’s style, as high efficiency on the offensive end will allow the Tigers to press in the backcourt, which they did so effectively against the Cowboys.

McNeese State, the defending Southland champion, was anemic for the first 30 minutes, connecting on just 12 field goals. Patrick Richard, the team’s lone returning starter, led the way with 13 points on 3-of-14 shooting.