In a highly anticipated matchup, the Auburn women's basketball team is set to face Vanderbilt, aiming to build on the momentum generated by their historic win over LSU. The Tigers, now 12-5 overall and 1-3 in SEC play, delivered a stunning 67-62 victory against LSU in front of a record crowd of 7,720 at Neville Arena. As they hit the road for a Thursday night clash at Vanderbilt's Memorial Gym in Nashville, Auburn looks to continue their impressive run.
The Tigers' triumph over LSU has not gone unnoticed, earning them recognition in the Associated Press poll. Auburn is receiving votes for the first time since the 2019-20 preseason rankings. On the other side, Vanderbilt, with a 16-2 overall record and a 3-1 mark in SEC play, is also receiving votes in both polls, previously ranking No. 24 in the coaches' poll.
Auburn's radio call will be led by Brit Bowen on AU100 (100.3 FM), starting at 6:15 p.m. CT. The game will be broadcasted on SEC Network +, with Andrew Allegretta and Drew Maddux providing the commentary.
In their previous outing against LSU, Honesty Scott-Grayson led the charge with 21 points, contributing significantly to Auburn's victory. Taylen Collins showcased her defensive prowess, skillfully defending against LSU's Angel Reese, securing a steal, drawing a foul, and making both free throws in the closing moments. The win over LSU marked Auburn's second consecutive victory over a team either ranked or receiving votes.
As Auburn prepares for the clash with Vanderbilt, they aim to achieve several milestones. A win would be their 10th in the last 12 meetings with Vanderbilt, breaking a two-game skid against Vandy in Nashville. Additionally, it would be the Tigers' second straight victory over a competitive opponent.
The Auburn-Vanderbilt series, in its 56th meeting, has seen Vanderbilt holding a 30-25 lead. However, Auburn has demonstrated dominance by winning nine of the last 11 encounters since 2014. In their last meeting on Feb. 26, 2023, Auburn secured a thrilling 78-76 victory with Honesty Scott-Grayson's clutch free throws and a crucial steal.
Scouting the Commodores, Vanderbilt enters the contest with a 16-2 record and 3-1 in SEC play. They had a nine-game win streak before a heartbreaking 65-63 loss to Missouri. Vanderbilt's Jordyn Cambridge leads in scoring, assists, and steals, showcasing her all-around prowess.
Auburn, with a 12-5 overall record, boasts a historic win over LSU and aims to continue their success on the road. Honesty Scott-Grayson, named SEC Player of the Week, leads the team with 15.8 points per game. JaMya Mingo-Young contributes as a playmaker, leading Auburn with 4.1 assists per game. Taylen Collins, Mar'Shaun Bostic, and Sydney Shaw add depth to Auburn's scoring options.
As Auburn and Vanderbilt gear up for their Thursday night showdown, fans can expect an intense battle between two competitive SEC teams vying for conference supremacy. The Tigers will look to carry forward the energy from their historic win and showcase their strength on the road against a formidable Vanderbilt squad.
