AUBURN, Ala.
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-The Auburn women's basketball team officially started its 2009-10 season with a 70-65 win over in-state rival Troy (0-1). The Tigers (1-0) were led by junior Alli Smalley, who tied a career high by collecting 23 points and led the team with four assists.
"It's always nice to start the season with a win," head coach Nell Fortner said. "I thought that we hung tough there in the end to win the ball game."
Smalley, who has taken a veteran's role this year, played a critical role in Auburn's offense.
"Alli knows that's her role this year," Fortner said. "She's the leader of this team and she's the go-to player. She hasn't had to do that since she's been here, but I thought she did a good job tonight stepping up at the end of the ball game."
Smalley, who played throughout the entire game, was followed in scoring by sophomore Chantel Hilliard and freshman Nicolle Thomas, who each logged 13 points in the win. Hilliard made her first collegiate start in the game while Thomas made her debut as a Tiger. Junior Jordan Greenleaf, who returns this season after sitting out most of the 2008-09 season with an injury, led the team in rebounds, pulling down nine boards.
Both teams were plagued by fouls in the game, combining for 54. Fortner said dealing with so many fouls forced her team to make some changes in the game plan.
"(Foul trouble) changes your whole rotation and what you're doing," Fortner noted. "Hopefully that won't happen to us again. Kids just have to grow up and learn how to play at this level and come to play every night."
Both teams struggled from the field, as the Tigers and Trojans each shot for less than 40 percent.
The Trojans hit 8-of-16 from behind the arc while Auburn connected on only 3-of-18 from 3-point range. Smalley and Thomas recorded the only 3-point shots for the Tigers.
The Tigers led 38-34 at halftime, shortly after they took their largest lead of the game. The Tigers were up by nine with 4:21 left to play in the opening period. Smalley led Auburn in the half with 12 points.
The Trojans were led by Brittnie Davis, who posted 14 points and six rebounds. Sarah McAppion and Sophie Kleeman both collected 12 points. Cortney Hawkins came off the bench to lead the Trojans with seven rebounds.
"I'm very appreciative of my team's effort," Troy head coach Michael Murphy said. "We overcame a lot of things such as injuries, foul trouble and kids that have never played before. I'm really proud of their effort and grit."
Auburn returns to action Nov. 17 as the Tigers travel to Philadelphia, Pa., to take on Temple. Tipoff is slated for 6 p.m. from the Owls' McGonigle Hall.