Auburn women's basketball got off to a slow start in Monday's season opener against Alabama State, but dominated the final three quarters en route to a convincing win.
Auburn (1-0) outscored Alabama State (0-1) 69-19 in the final three quarters in its 84-35 win on Monday in Neville Arena.
Auburn created separation from Alabama State in the 2nd quarter by going on a 24-0 run and never looked back.
“Eventually, we felt like we could pull away. We settled down, tried not to panic, and began to move the ball,” Auburn head coach Larry Vickers said postgame.
What made Auburn's run more impressive is that they accomplished it without guard Kaitlyn Duhon. Duhon exited in the 1st quarter due to a knee injury. Auburn got solid bench production in Duhon's
absence from Zahara Bishop and Sania Richardson, who went 5-for-5 in the 2nd quarter and scored 13 points. Savannah Scott added eight points over the final three quarters and went 6-for-8 at the free-throw line.
Auburn's defense also outrebounded the Hornets, 43-32, and forced Alabama State to shoot 24% in the game.
“If you would’ve told me Kaitlyn Duhon would’ve played only eight minutes tonight and we’d play defense that well, I wouldn’t have believed you," Vickers said.
Auburn will now move on to Thursday's game against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles. Southern Miss opened its 2026-27 season with an 85-59 win over Mississippi College on Monday, behind Chrysta Narcisse's 10-point, 11-rebound performance. The Tigers and Golden Eagles clash on Thursday at 6 p.m. CT in Neville Arena.
Taylor Jones is the lead writer for Auburn Wire, part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) and BlueSky. FollowAuburn Wire on X andFacebook.
This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Auburn women's basketball blows out Alabama State in season opener
