Auburn women's basketball clinched a commanding 67-48 victory over Arkansas in the second round of the SEC Tournament, led by JaMya Mingo-Young's stellar performance that flirted with a triple-double. Mingo-Young's impressive stat line of 11 points, eight rebounds, and a season-high eight assists played a pivotal role in Auburn's triumph, showcasing her versatility and impact on both ends of the floor.
The Tigers encountered a sluggish start but surged emphatically in the second half, outscoring the Razorbacks and displaying a dominant defensive effort that held Arkansas to a mere 21 points after halftime. Auburn head Coach Johnnie Harris commended her team's resilience, stating, "Just really proud of my team for how hard they played in the second half."
A crucial 12-0 run late in the second quarter propelled Auburn into a lead they would not relinquish. Harris attributed her team's success to their defensive intensity in the final 20 minutes, highlighting their commitment to executing the Auburn women's basketball style effectively.
Harris celebrated her inaugural SEC Tournament victory as head coach, acknowledging her players' dedication and belief in the team's vision. She remarked, "It feels good to finally get one... This team has worked really hard."
Contributions were spread across the roster, with three players reaching double figures in scoring. Sydney Shaw's three 3-pointers added to Auburn's offensive firepower, while Mar'Shaun Bostic continued her consistent form with 11 points, three assists, and three steals.
The Tigers' defensive prowess stifled Arkansas in the second half, limiting them to just two field goals in the third quarter. Auburn's transition game capitalized on a fatigued Arkansas defense in the final period, sealing the victory with a decisive 10-0 run.
Looking ahead, Auburn faces a formidable challenge against second-seeded LSU in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals. With tip-off scheduled for 5 p.m. CT, the Tigers aim to build on their momentum and advance further in the tournament, staying true to their aggressive style of play and relentless defensive pressure.
Despite a valiant effort from Arkansas, they fell short against Auburn's suffocating defense. Samara Spencer, Jenna Lawrence, and Makayla Daniels led the Razorbacks' scoring efforts with 13 points each but were unable to overcome Auburn's defensive stronghold.
As the SEC Tournament progresses, Auburn remains focused and determined to maintain their momentum. With their sights set on further victories, the Tigers are poised to make a deep run in the tournament, showcasing their resilience and championship aspirations on the court.
