Florida Atlantic University Men’s basketball will travel to Auburn to participate in a charity exhibition game on Friday, November 1st at 7:00 PM at Neville Arena, with all proceeds from ticket sales benefiting the Auburn University Melton Scholars Program. The Auburn-FAU charity exhibition game was approved through an NCAA waiver. On Aug. 1, 2024, the NCAA Committee for Legislative Relief approved a recommendation issued by the NCAA Division I Mens and Womens Basketball Oversight Committee to permit an institution to conduct both of its two permissible exhibition games in the sport of basketball against a Division I institution for the purpose of raising funds for catastrophic events, social justice initiatives and/or general medical expenses. I would like to thank the NCAA for their wisdom and willingness to support this game, Auburn Head Coach Bruce Pearl said. We are going to make a tremendous impact.” Ive always believed you cant ask somebody to do something that youre not willing to do yourself. Ive always invested in the scholarship program and our family is very proud to be a Melton Scholar donor. Do what God would have us do every single day and try the best of our abilities to live by that”, said Pearl. Previously the Together We Will Scholarship Program the Melton Scholars Program was launched in 2023 to help increase access for underrepresented students and support them throughout their Auburn experience. Like the Tigers, FAU reached the NCAA Tournament a year ago. The Owls won the hearts of America as one of two Cinderella teams to make a run to the NCAA Final Four in 2023. “We are extremely grateful to be a part such a great game”, said FAU Head Coach John Jakus. “This is going to be a fun game between two great programs. Playing Auburn will be a test to what this season will bring. It will be a challenge but also enjoyable and that is what college basketball should be about. Because of the exhibition games charity focus, it will be sold as a standalone game separate from the Tiger’s mens basketball season-ticket package. Information on the purchase process and deadline will be communicated soon, and all remaining inventory will go on sale to the public in early October.
