In a dominating performance, the Auburn women's basketball team secured their eighth consecutive win with a resounding 79-58 triumph over North Alabama at Neville Arena. Led by JaMya Mingo-Young's first double-double in an Auburn uniform and a stellar showing from McKenna Eddings, the Tigers showcased their prowess on both ends of the court, closing out an unbeaten December.
Despite a sluggish start that resulted in a narrow three-point halftime lead, the Tigers unleashed a formidable second-half offensive surge, extending their advantage to 20 points late in the third quarter. Auburn's head coach, Johnnie Harris, acknowledged the team's slow start but commended the players for their defensive efforts in the latter part of the game. "Everything we do starts with our defense, and … we just let them do what they wanted to do in the first half," Harris remarked.
Mingo-Young, a key player in Auburn's recent successes, once again showcased her versatility, contributing 13 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists. Her performance marked her eighth career double-double and showcased her proficiency from the free-throw line, extending her consecutive made free throws streak to an impressive 25.
"I knew I was going to have to play extended minutes, so it was about being smart, hitting spots, executing plays," Mingo-Young commented on her role in the game. "Executing was the biggest thing. But we have to start getting out to better starts."
McKenna Eddings emerged as a standout contributor, recording a career-high 14 points, including a remarkable 4-of-5 shooting from beyond the arc. Eddings' three steals, three rebounds, and two assists added to her impactful performance, helping the Tigers pull away decisively in the second half.
Joining Eddings in double figures were Sydney Shaw, Honesty Scott-Grayson, and Kaitlyn Duhon, each scoring 11 points. Celia Sumbane made her presence felt with a season-best nine rebounds, while Shaw showcased defensive prowess with a pair of blocked shots.
A pivotal moment in the game occurred midway through the third quarter when Auburn's lead hit double digits, and a subsequent 11-0 run pushed the advantage to 20 points, capping off a 28-point third quarter. Eddings continued her scoring prowess in the fourth quarter, contributing half of her 14 points and leading the Tigers to their largest lead of the game at 70-46.
Despite a tied score of 15-all after the first quarter, Auburn surged ahead with a 12-0 run in the second quarter, taking a 30-27 lead at halftime. The Tigers maintained their unbeaten record when shooting 40 percent or better, achieving a shooting percentage of 42.3 percent from the field and an impressive 50 percent from 3-point range.
Auburn capitalized on UNA turnovers, converting 21 into 19 points, while maintaining discipline with only 11 turnovers of their own. The Tigers' bench contributed significantly with 34 points, marking their third-best total of the season.
Looking ahead, Auburn will enter Southeastern Conference play with confidence, commencing on January 4 against the Tennessee Lady Volunteers at Neville Arena, with the game set to tip off at 7 p.m. CT. The Tigers aim to continue their winning streak and make a strong statement in conference competition.
