In a stunning turn of events, the Auburn Tigers secured their first SEC victory of the season by defeating No. 7 LSU with a final score of 67-62. The game unfolded at Auburn’s home court, attracting a record-breaking crowd and ending LSU’s impressive 16-game winning streak. This marks the second time in Auburn’s program history that they have emerged victorious against a top-10 team.
The match remained closely contested, with both sets of Tigers exchanging quarters in the first half. Auburn claimed the first quarter 23-15, while LSU responded by winning the second quarter 22-11. The second half saw seven lead changes, ultimately favoring Auburn (12-5, 1-3 SEC), as they executed enough plays to secure a significant victory. LSU, the reigning champions, now holds a record of 16-2 overall and 3-1 in SEC play, with their last loss dating back to the season opener against Colorado.
Honesty Scott-Grayson led Auburn’s charge with 21 points, complemented by five rebounds and two assists. Jamya Mingo-Young contributed 13 points, five assists, and three rebounds, showcasing a collective team effort. Notably, nine out of the 10 players who saw minutes on the court contributed points, and Auburn maintained competitiveness on the boards, securing a 36-34 rebounding advantage. The team’s proficiency in both offensive and defensive aspects, along with successful 3-point shooting, played a crucial role in their upset victory.
For LSU, Angel Reese displayed a stellar performance, leading all scorers with 24 points and securing 11 rebounds. Aneesah Morrow also recorded a double-double with 12 points and 15 rebounds, showcasing the Tigers’ dominance in the paint.
However, LSU faced challenges in the backcourt, missing the impactful contributions of freshman guard Mikaylah Williams. Williams, a key scorer for LSU, struggled to find her shot against Auburn, finishing with seven points and a 30% shooting accuracy. The team, known for its 3-point proficiency, failed to make a single 3-pointer in this game, a departure from their usual performance.
The Tigers now look ahead to upcoming matchups, traveling to Alabama for a Thursday game and hosting Arkansas on Sunday in Baton Rouge. A pivotal game awaits as they prepare to host No. 1 South Carolina on Thursday, Jan. 25, a matchup with potential implications for the SEC title race.
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