Auburn WBB plays two home games in an attempt to get back on track.
The Auburn Women’s Basketball Team has entered a crucial stretch of the season where their performance could determine their postseason fate. After some inconsistent play and tough losses in the SEC, the Tigers are set to face two pivotal home games that could serve as a turning point for the rest of their season. These matchups are not only vital for their SEC standings but also crucial for their NCAA tournament hopes. In this article, we’ll dive into why these two home games are so important for Auburn, the team’s current status, and key players who will play a central role in determining their success moving forward.
The Auburn Women’s Basketball Program: A History of Resilience
Auburn has a storied history in women’s basketball, with multiple NCAA tournament appearances, a strong tradition of success, and a passionate fanbase that always supports the team. Historically, the Tigers have been a competitive force in the SEC, consistently contending for conference titles and making deep runs in the postseason. The team is led by head coach Johnny Harris, who took over the program in 2021 with a vision to return Auburn to national prominence.
In her short time at the helm, Coach Harris has worked to instill a strong defensive identity while focusing on building a balanced offensive attack. Auburn’s foundation rests on tough, gritty defense, with an emphasis on limiting opponents’ scoring opportunities, disrupting offensive plays, and forcing turnovers. However, offense has been a bit of a work in progress as the team looks to develop a more efficient and fluid scoring system, especially in high-pressure situations.
The Auburn fanbase remains one of the most loyal and fervent in the SEC, providing a lively atmosphere at Auburn Arena. This home-court advantage will be key in the upcoming games, as the Tigers look to re-establish themselves as a force in the conference and put themselves back on the NCAA radar.
Auburn’s Recent Struggles
Despite the Tigers’ tradition of excellence, the 2024 season has been filled with mixed results. Auburn entered the season with high hopes, but inconsistent play, especially in close games, has led to a string of disappointing losses. A few early defeats have come in close contests, with Auburn struggling to close games in the fourth quarter. Whether it has been shooting slumps or defensive lapses in key moments, these struggles have left the Tigers with a less-than-ideal record in the SEC.
Moreover, the Tigers have faced a particularly tough schedule, with several of their losses coming to higher-ranked teams within the conference. These setbacks have led to frustration for the players, coaching staff, and fans, but they have also presented an opportunity for growth. The key now is how Auburn responds in these next two home games.
Auburn’s inability to string together consistent performances has hurt them in their attempt to climb the SEC standings. While they have shown flashes of brilliance in certain games—especially on the defensive end—offensive inefficiency has been a recurring issue. For a team that prides itself on defensive intensity, their struggles on offense have often held them back from being competitive in the league’s upper tier.
The Importance of the Upcoming Home Games
Auburn’s next two games will be at home, and this is where the team must turn things around if they hope to salvage their season and regain momentum. Home games are always a crucial part of a team’s schedule, particularly when it comes to a program like Auburn that thrives on fan support and familiarity with their home court. Auburn Arena will be electric as the team looks to reassert itself, but the pressure is mounting.
These games represent more than just another opportunity to win; they are critical for Auburn’s NCAA tournament hopes. A couple of wins here could go a long way in boosting the Tigers’ chances of earning a bid. A losing streak, on the other hand, could leave Auburn with a hole too deep to climb out of, especially in the competitive SEC.
In terms of seeding for the SEC tournament, these games are similarly important. Auburn is in the middle of the pack in terms of conference standing, and a strong finish to the season could help them improve their seeding, which would be essential when it comes time to compete in the conference tournament. With a tough SEC schedule still ahead, the Tigers will need these victories to remain in the upper half of the standings.
The Tigers also need to find some offensive consistency. One of their major struggles has been generating enough points to compete with high-powered offenses from teams like South Carolina, LSU, and Mississippi State. These upcoming games will serve as an opportunity to focus on their offensive execution, particularly with shooting and ball movement. If Auburn can find a way to score more efficiently, it could open up the floor and allow their defense to create more transition opportunities.
Key Players to Watch
Several players will be key to Auburn’s success in these two home games. The team has depth and talent, but it will take the right mix of effort, execution, and leadership to get back on track. Here are some players who could be pivotal in determining whether the Tigers come away with victories.
Honesty Scott-Grayson: The Veteran Leader
Honesty Scott-Grayson is one of the most important players for Auburn. As a senior guard, she brings invaluable leadership and experience to the floor. Known for her scoring ability and toughness, Scott-Grayson has the potential to take over games when needed. She has proven capable of creating her own shot, whether it be from the perimeter, mid-range, or driving to the basket.
However, Scott-Grayson has also been prone to inconsistency this season, particularly with her shooting. If Auburn is to succeed in these upcoming games, Scott-Grayson must step up as both a scorer and a facilitator. She needs to lead by example, helping the team execute offensively and ensuring that Auburn remains disciplined on defense.
Scott-Grayson’s leadership will be crucial in keeping the Tigers focused, especially if they face adversity in these games. Whether it’s hitting clutch shots or making the right plays down the stretch, she will be looked upon to guide Auburn back to winning form.
Jada Rice: The All-Around Contributor
Jada Rice is another player who will be key for Auburn in these home games. As one of the team’s most versatile forwards, Rice has the ability to score inside and out, and her athleticism allows her to contribute defensively as well. Rice’s length and ability to guard multiple positions make her a mismatch problem for opposing teams.
While Rice has shown flashes of brilliance this season, she needs to become more consistent on both ends of the floor. Her ability to stretch the floor with her shooting and finish in the paint will be crucial in these upcoming matchups. Moreover, Auburn will need Rice to stay engaged on the defensive end, where she can help disrupt opponents’ offensive flow and create transition opportunities for the Tigers.
With her all-around skill set, Rice has the potential to be a game-changer for Auburn in these critical contests. If she can stay aggressive and contribute in multiple facets of the game, Auburn will be much better equipped to find offensive and defensive success.
Emily Bohannon: The Freshman Spark
Emily Bohannon, a freshman guard, has shown great potential in her debut season with Auburn. Known for her sharpshooting ability, Bohannon has already demonstrated that she can be a scoring threat from beyond the arc. Her ability to stretch the floor will be important for Auburn, as it will open up driving lanes for other players and force defenses to stretch out.
Bohannon has also shown the ability to be a solid ball handler and facilitator. If Auburn is to find more offensive fluidity in these games, Bohannon’s presence will be key. She could serve as a much-needed scoring spark, especially if other players are struggling to get going.
Dillon O’Kane: Defensive Anchor
Auburn’s identity has always been built on defense, and Dillon O’Kane is one of the team’s most reliable defenders. The senior guard is a tenacious on-ball defender who can disrupt opposing offenses and create turnovers. She is also quick in transition and can help Auburn score easy points off of steals.
O’Kane’s ability to shut down opposing players will be key in limiting scoring runs from Auburn’s opponents. If she can continue to excel defensively, it will give Auburn a significant edge in these games, allowing the team to get out in transition and create scoring opportunities.
Strategic Adjustments for Auburn
While Auburn has a solid foundation defensively, the team will need to improve offensively to succeed in these home games. Here are a few key adjustments that could help:
Better Ball Movement
Auburn needs to focus on improving its ball movement. The Tigers have been too stagnant at times on offense, leading to poor shot selection and missed opportunities. By moving the ball quicker and working through set plays, they can create better looks for their shooters. Quick ball movement will also help spread out the defense and open up driving lanes for players like Honesty Scott-Grayson and Jada Rice.
Inside-Out Game
Auburn should focus on attacking the basket and establishing a strong inside presence. This will not only help generate easy points in the paint but also open up opportunities for outside shooters like Emily Bohannon. By being aggressive on offense and forcing the defense to collapse in the paint, Auburn can create more open shot attempts and force teams into difficult defensive positions.
Defensive Consistency
On the defensive side, Auburn must maintain its focus for the full 40 minutes. At times this season, they have been prone to lapses, allowing opposing teams to score in bunches. By staying engaged and executing defensive schemes more consistently, Auburn can limit opposing teams’ scoring runs and create a more favorable game environment.
