Auburn is among the top five going into the final round of the Lady Puerto Rico Classic.

As the college basketball season heats up, the Lady Puerto Rico Classic stands out as one of the key early-season tournaments for top women’s programs, providing teams with a crucial opportunity to test their mettle against quality opponents in a competitive and high-energy setting. This year, the Auburn Tigers are making waves in the competition, heading into the final round of the tournament ranked among the top five teams in the standings. The performance of Auburn, along with the development of their young roster, is shaping up to be one of the most exciting storylines of the 2025 women’s basketball season.

The Lady Puerto Rico Classic, a well-established early-season tournament, attracts top-tier programs from across the country and offers a unique blend of high-level competition, picturesque Caribbean settings, and intense tournament atmosphere. As teams prepare for the challenges ahead, performances in such tournaments can provide vital insights into team dynamics, individual development, and championship potential.

For Auburn, the strong finish they are poised to achieve in the tournament is emblematic of the program’s continued growth and ability to compete on the national stage. Under the guidance of head coach Johnnie Harris, Auburn has been developing a competitive, balanced team that is capable of mixing high-intensity offense with stifling defense. As Auburn enters the final round of the Lady Puerto Rico Classic, all eyes are on their ability to close out the tournament with a victory and build momentum going into the remainder of the season.

Auburn’s Journey to the Top Five

Auburn’s success at the Lady Puerto Rico Classic did not come by accident. The Tigers entered the tournament as a program on the rise, with a number of key players emerging as potential stars. Their focus on a fast-paced offense, paired with suffocating defense, has allowed them to succeed against teams with varied playing styles. As the final round of the tournament looms, Auburn finds themselves in a favorable position, primed to make a deep run for the championship.

Balanced Attack on Offense

One of the key reasons Auburn is performing so well in the Lady Puerto Rico Classic is their offensive versatility. The Tigers have developed a balanced attack, with several players capable of scoring in a variety of ways. Whether it’s fast breaks, half-court offense, or three-point shooting, Auburn has shown that they can adjust to the different challenges posed by their opponents.

At the core of Auburn’s offensive production is Jasmine Walker, a forward who has become one of the most dynamic players on the court. Walker’s ability to drive the ball to the basket, while also showing the range to hit mid-range jump shots and three-pointers, makes her a nightmare for opposing defenses. Throughout the tournament, Walker has demonstrated her scoring prowess, contributing not only in points but also as a leader on the floor.

Alongside Walker, Dyanae Carrington has emerged as another key scorer for Auburn. Carrington’s ability to step up in clutch moments and her skill at getting to the free-throw line has made her one of the team’s go-to players when the game is on the line. The backcourt duo of Walker and Carrington provides Auburn with a formidable offensive weapon that has been difficult for opponents to contain.

However, Auburn’s success isn’t reliant solely on individual talent. The team has been built around the concept of ball movement and collective effort. DeeDee Harrison, a guard with a high basketball IQ, has been instrumental in facilitating the offense. Harrison’s vision and playmaking ability allow Auburn to execute set plays and create open shots for her teammates. Her unselfishness and leadership on the court have been critical to the Tigers’ ability to maintain their high offensive efficiency throughout the tournament.

Defensive Excellence

While Auburn’s offense has been impressive, it’s their defense that has set them apart in the Lady Puerto Rico Classic. Known for their aggressive full-court pressure and half-court defensive schemes, Auburn has stifled some of the tournament’s top teams. Their defensive identity is built on forcing turnovers, disrupting passing lanes, and contesting every shot.

One of the standout performers defensively for Auburn has been Aaliyah Nye, a forward who has consistently shut down opposing scorers. Nye’s combination of size, athleticism, and defensive awareness has allowed her to guard multiple positions on the floor, making her a versatile asset in Auburn’s defensive scheme. Her ability to block shots, grab rebounds, and contest shots without fouling has been crucial to Auburn’s success in slowing down the opposition’s offense.

In addition to Nye, T’Keyah Scott has also played a significant role in Auburn’s defensive success. As one of the team’s best perimeter defenders, Scott has been tasked with guarding some of the best shooters in the tournament, and she has delivered with impressive performances. Her quickness and ability to stay in front of ball handlers have allowed Auburn to prevent easy scoring opportunities.

The Auburn defense has consistently limited opponents’ offensive production, especially in high-pressure moments. By forcing teams to play at a faster pace and disrupting their offensive flow, Auburn has been able to dictate the tempo of games and keep opponents from settling into comfortable offensive sets.

Coaching and Team Development

Auburn’s success in the Lady Puerto Rico Classic is not only a result of individual talent but also the program’s strong coaching and development. Head coach Johnnie Harris has instilled a winning culture in the program since taking the helm, and his philosophy of hard work, discipline, and preparation has been evident in the Tigers’ performances.

Coach Harris has worked tirelessly to develop Auburn’s young players while also ensuring that the veteran leaders on the team continue to play at a high level. Under his leadership, Auburn has become a well-rounded team capable of competing with some of the nation’s best programs. Harris has placed a particular emphasis on developing a team-first mentality, where every player knows their role and contributes to the team’s success.

Furthermore, Auburn’s assistant coaches have played an instrumental role in player development. By focusing on individual skill sets and encouraging players to play within their strengths, the coaching staff has been able to maximize Auburn’s potential as a team.

Injury Concerns and Player Recovery

Like many teams in college basketball, Auburn has had to navigate injury challenges this season. Injuries to key players can derail even the most talented teams, and while Auburn has managed to stay relatively healthy, they’ve still had to deal with some bumps and bruises.

Auburn’s coaching staff has done a fantastic job of managing player workloads, ensuring that key players are healthy for the final round of the Lady Puerto Rico Classic. While they’ve had some close calls, Auburn has avoided any major injuries that could have derailed their momentum heading into the later stages of the season.

The Road Ahead: Auburn’s National Title Hopes

As Auburn heads into the final round of the Lady Puerto Rico Classic, they are not just competing for a tournament championship—they are making a statement about their championship aspirations for the entire season. A strong finish in this tournament will give Auburn a confidence boost, proving they can compete against some of the best teams in women’s college basketball.

With their balanced offense, tenacious defense, and excellent coaching, Auburn has positioned itself as one of the top contenders for the NCAA Tournament. If the Tigers can continue to build on their success in Puerto Rico and stay healthy, they will undoubtedly be a force to reckon with come tournament time.

Looking ahead, Auburn will face stiff competition from powerhouses such as South Carolina, Stanford, and UConn, but they have proven that they are capable of matching up with these teams. With key players stepping up and playing with confidence, Auburn’s stock continues to rise in the world of women’s college basketball.

 Auburn’s Future is Bright

As the Lady Puerto Rico Classic draws to a close, Auburn is poised to finish among the top contenders, marking a major milestone in what has been a strong season for the Tigers. The performance they have delivered so far has shown that they are more than capable of competing at the highest level, and they are a team to watch as the season progresses.

With an exciting mix of veteran leadership and young talent, Auburn has laid the groundwork for a potential national championship run. The final round of the Lady Puerto Rico Classic is just one more opportunity for the Tigers to prove they are a legitimate contender in women’s college basketball, and they appear ready to rise to the occasion. Fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on Auburn as they aim to build on this success and make a deep run into the NCAA Tournament.