Nov. 8, 2009
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AUBURN - The Auburn women's basketball team opened its final season at Beard-Eaves-Memorial Coliseum Sunday with a 73-50 exhibition win over Georgia College and State University. Sophomore Parrisha Simmons recorded a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds while three other Tigers scored in double digits.
Freshman Nicolle Thomas led the Tigers in scoring with 16, followed by senior Alli Smalley with 14 and sophomore Chantel Hilliard with 11. Redshirt junior Jordan Greenleaf led the team in rebounds with 12.
"I think all of us as a whole, since we're down to nine players, have to step up and have the same goal - the same vision," said Smalley. "We have to pull for each other on and off the court.
"It was good to get out there and play against someone other than your own teammates. We were able to see what we need to work and improve on."
Smalley returned as the only remaining starter from Auburn's 2009 SEC Champion squad. Hilliard and Simmons received the first starting nods of their Auburn careers.
"We have a long way to go but the biggest thing that I saw today is that we are such a different team than we were last year," said Auburn head coach Nell Fortner. "Last year we had seniors that could make plays but it seemed as if we were just standing around waiting for someone to make a play today.
"We will get better, this is our first game and you kind of expect that out of your first game."
At halftime, the Tigers led GCSU 40-18, compliments of a 17-0 Auburn run. The Tigers held GCSU scoreless for 8:50 in the first half until the Bobcats connected on a free throw with less than two minutes on the clock. The Bobcats did not record a field goal the rest of the half.
"I felt like we did pretty well," said Simmons. "It was exciting. The atmosphere and the fans were great. It's great to have them out there supporting us, it makes you want to represent for the home team."
As a team, the Tigers shot 28-of-67 from the field and 8-of-18 from behind the arc. Smalley and Thomas were responsible for all of Auburn's three-pointers, both taking home four apiece. The Tigers were 9-of-28 from the charity stripe.
Dominique Huffin led the Bobcats in scoring with 16 while Tammeshia Law led her team with seven rebounds. GSCU was 17-of-66 from the field and 7-of-25 from behind the arc. The Bobcats were 9-of-13 at the line.
"We had a lot of defensive mistakes, but that's the kind of stuff you are going to see early," said GCSU head coach John Carrick. "We didn't come in here with a deer in the headlights look because they were playing a big time opponent, so I was glad to see that. I was pleased because they did the things that I wanted them to which is bring energy and don't think anyone is better than you and go out and play your best."
The Tigers return to action Nov. 13 against the Troy Trojans at Beard-Eaves-Memorial Coliseum. For complete statistics, news, features and schedule, visit www.AuburnTigers.com.