Coming off a loss to Tennessee, Auburn (14-13, 4-11 SEC) looked to rebound in a big way in what would be their final road game of the season against the Georgia Bulldogs (20-9, 9-6 SEC). In the end, the game would not fall the Tigers way, ultimately losing by a score of 70-59 to collect their second conference loss in a row.
Auburn kept the game close throughout but sending Georgia to the line too much in addition to turning the ball over multiple times did not work in the Tigers favor.
"It was a defensive battle," Auburn head coach Johnnie Harris said. "And then free throws. Early in the first half, we turned the ball over, we had 12 turnovers at halftime. We took care of it a lot better in the second half, but we didn't get a lot of good looks."
Aicha Coulibaly showed her talent once again tonight. The guard finished with 20 points while adding a career high seven assists. This marks her seventh game with 20+ points and extends her margin as the team’s leading scorer this year.
Honesty Scott-Grayson was able to put together a 16 point game while showing off her long-range ability with three 3-pointers. The senior has struggled to find momentum after a midseason injury that saw her be sidelined and play a smaller role while working back.
Rebounding continued to be a struggle for Auburn. The Tigers were only able to pull in 27 rebounds, compared to Georgia’s 40. Precious Johnson was able to collect seven rebounds and Coulibaly six, while no other Tiger could get more than two.
Despite playing almost perfect defense, the free throw line hurt the Tigers, especially in the second half. Georgia was able to convert 17 free throw attempts in the final two quarters to go along with six from the first half, while Auburn was only able to manage a less than ideal nine throughout the entire game.
Auburn was only down three at the half, but a big run from the Bulldogs quickly put the momentum the Tigers had built to rest. Georgia was able to go 8-for-11 coming out of the break which led to a crucial 13-point lead.
Georgia’s Diamond Battles posed a challenge all night for Auburn. The senior was able to post a game-high 21 points, four rebounds and four assists. The guard played a crucial aspect in all areas of the game while playing a game-high 39 minutes.
Sydney Shaw struggled throughout the night. The freshman has been a staple in the starting lineup throughout the season, but that was not the case tonight. Coming off the bench the guard would only see 19 minutes of action on the floor. In those minutes, Shaw was only able to convert one three pointers while adding two rebounds.
Auburn will be back in action against Vanderbilt this Sunday at Neville Arena. The game will serve as Senior Day for Sania Wells and Honesty Scott-Grayson, with the pair being recognized before the game. Tip-off is scheduled for 3 p.m. and will be broadcasted by the SEC Network.
