AUBURN, Ala. - Auburn returns home to the Plains after a win over Louisiana last time out. The Tigers take on the Alabama State Hornets in the 23rd all-time meeting between the two programs.
Auburn is yet to lose to Alabama State. The Tigers have won the previous 22, and they look to make it 23-0 this season. Taliah Scott and DeYona Gaston, Auburn's two leading scorers, have helped lead the Tigers to an 8-3 record thus far. The pair have been sidelined at times with injuries, but Gaston hopes those woes are in the rearview after a double-double outing against the Ragin' Cajuns Wednesday.
If Auburn wants to win this one, they will have to rely on her scoring prowess, hoping she can top her Neville Arena record of 36 points set earlier in this season.
Gaston leads all Tigers in scoring this season, averaging just over 20 points a game. She also leads the Tigers in rebounds with nine per game. Mar'shaun Bostic leads the team in assists with 5.4 per game. Her point guard play is essential for Auburn's offense, especially as they. approach SEC play.
Under head coach Johnnie Harris, Auburn has hung its hat on defense, setting the program record for steals last season against Alabama State with 28. The Tigers will look to break that record against the Hornets this year as they continue to improve under Harris.
With several injuries throughout the season, Auburn has at times been forced to play with just eight players meaning they have had to play well on the defensive end to make sure they keep pace with any other teams offensive prowess.
Finally, for Auburn, success will be the play of Taliah Scott. In her first year on the Plains she has made an instant impact. In her first game in Neville Arena, she tied the record for most threes made in the arena with eight. Scott, just a sophomore, was last year‘s SEC freshman of the year averaging over 20 points per game for Arkansas. Her health and performance are key to the Tigers moving forward.
The game will be broadcast on the SEC network plus and the Auburn Sports Network. Tip-off is at noon CT inside of Neville Arena.
