AUBURN, Ala. – Despite being down four points at the half, the Auburn Women’s Basketball team scratched and clawed back to take down the UAB Blazers at home Sunday, 69-62. The Tigers were able to grab a win despite missing their top two scorers in DeYona Gaston and Taliah Scott.
After making seven of their first 10 shots, Auburn struggled shooting for most of the first half. The Tigers missed 11 straight shots starting late in the first quarter and ending midway through the second quarter, allowing UAB to get right back into the game after the early Auburn run. The Blazers made nine of 14 in the second quarter, including three triples to take the first half advantage over Auburn, 35-31.
Auburn shut down UAB star Sarah Bershers, holding her to just five points in the second half after scoring 10 in the first and leading the Blazers’ charge. Auburn’s defense was much improved from the first, allowing less open threes, switching screens, and getting into rotation much better than in the first half. Celia Sumbane led the Tigers in as they made their way back, tying the game at 50 all, and in the fourth, Taylen Collins happened. Collins found her spots in the fourth, knocking down crucial buckets and leading Auburn with 6 points in the final frame. Collins, along with a tough layup by Mar’shaun Bostic, was all it took for the Tigers in the fourth to pull away and grab the victory, 69-62.
Auburn was led by Taylen Collins with 15 points and 10 boards in a 37 minute double-double performance by the graduate forward. Celia Sumbane added 14, nine of which came in the second half during the Tigers comeback. Syriah Daniels made her first start for Auburn, and the freshman impressed, scoring eight points in the first quarter and 14 for the game. The Tigers shot 44% from the field despite a measly 14% shooting performance from the arc. For UAB it was sisters Sarah and Tracey Bershers, who had 15 and seven points for the Blazers. Maddie Walsh knocked down 3 threes herself and scored 13 for the Blazers as well. UAB shot 42 percent and 30 percent from three, which allowed them to challenge the Tigers for all 40 minutes.
Auburn forced 21 UAB turnovers in what had to be a good defensive performance in the absence of two elite scorers for the Tigers. When asked about how they prepared defensively and how important it is without your best scorers, Coach Johnnie Harris said that it was all about continuing to implement the way that they defend in practice. She emphasized that they practice their aggressive defense day in and day out, and how important it is to translate that work and effort to the real games.
Auburn Women’s Hoops moves to 7-3 on the season as they continue their way through non-conference play. The Tigers have 10 days before their next appearance, which Coach J commented is massive for getting back to full strength. Auburn travels to Louisiana-Lafayette on Dec. 18 for an 11 a.m. matchup with the Ragin’ Cajuns. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+ or you can listen to it on the Auburn Sports Network.
