The Auburn Tigers' journey in the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament ended in disappointment as they fell to the Arizona Wildcats 69-59 in the First Four matchup. Despite a valiant effort, early turnovers proved to be the Achilles' heel for the Tigers, hampering their chances of advancing further in the postseason.
Despite the disappointing result, Taylen Collins reached the coveted 1,000 career points milestone. The achievement spanned her time across three seasons at Oklahoma State and one at Auburn. Though her contribution was notable, tallying six points, four rebounds, and a pair of steals in the game, it wasn't enough to secure victory for the Tigers.
Meanwhile, Yakiya Milton seized the spotlight with a career-best performance, notching eight points and showcasing her defensive prowess with three emphatic blocked shots. Despite Milton's standout effort, Auburn struggled to contain Arizona's offensive onslaught, particularly from beyond the arc.
Auburn head coach Johnnie Harris lamented the team's slow start, pointing to a lack of defensive intensity and ball security in the early stages of the game. "We had a bad second quarter where we gave up too many drives down the paint," Harris remarked. "Our guards weren’t hedging, and they were able to get down the lane. We had to help, and they kicked it back out for 3s."
Auburn guard Honesty Scott-Grayson, playing in her final college game, battled foul trouble throughout but still managed to lead Auburn with 13 points. Scott-Grayson's resilience and leadership on the court were evident as she fought tirelessly to keep the Tigers within striking distance of the Wildcats.
Scott-Grayson's contributions were not only felt on the scoreboard but also in her defensive efforts, where she shared the team lead with three steals. Her career at Auburn culminates with an impressive 1,600 points, securing her place among the program's all-time greats.
Despite facing a daunting deficit, Auburn staged multiple rallies, including an 8-0 run in the third quarter, to trim Arizona's lead. However, their efforts fell short as the Wildcats' offensive firepower proved too much to overcome.
Auburn's season, marked by moments of resilience and determination, ultimately came to an end with a record of 20-12. The loss in the NCAA Tournament First Four marked the conclusion of their first postseason appearance since 2019.
As the curtain falls on the 2023-2024 season, the Tigers bid farewell to departing seniors while also looking ahead with optimism and determination for what lies ahead in the seasons to come.
