Dec. 2, 2014
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Game Highlights
AUBURN, Ala. -- A big second half, sparked by a 20-2 run to start the period, propelled the Auburn women's basketball team to a 79-53 win over Marquette on Tuesday night at Auburn Arena.
The Tigers (4-2) quickly turned a 32-30 halftime lead into a 20-point cushion and never looked back after outscoring the Golden Eagles 20-2 in the first seven minutes of the second half. Auburn continued its sharp shooting for the remainder of the game as they made 19-of-34 field goal attempts (55.9%) and 7-of-8 free throws in the final 20 minutes.
"We definitely played a better second half defensively and our players started understanding how defense can score points for us," Auburn head coach Terri Williams-Flournoy said. "I thought Khady (Dieng) did a good job to spark the second-half run. Marquette is a good, big team with quick guards. I thought our team did a good job tonight."
Marquette (2-5) was only able to make 16-of-59 field goals (27.1%) as Auburn's full-court pressure forced them into 27 turnovers, 13 of which came in the second half and led to 20 Auburn points. The Tigers also outscored the Golden Eagles 24-2 on the fast break, 46-18 in the paint and 33-16 off the bench.
Similar to their fast start in the second half, Auburn jumped out to a 15-8 lead at the under-12 media timeout in the first half. However, Marquette was able to settle down, get the Tigers into foul trouble and cut the lead to two at halftime. But a rejuvenated Auburn team outscored Marquette 47-23 in the second half, where the Tigers led by as many as 31.
On a consistent scoring night for the Tigers, Tra'Cee Tanner led the way with a game-high 16 points and was joined in double figures by Brandy Montgomery with 13 points and Hasina Muhammad with 10. It was Montgomery's fifth consecutive game in which she scored double-digit points. Montgomery also picked up four steals, matching a career-high.
"I've just been playing," Montgomery said. "I haven't been thinking about anything. I've just been trying to do whatever I can to help the team get the win."
In all, eight Tigers scored five or more points in the game, including freshmen Jazmine Jones and Neydja Petithomme, who each scored a career-high eight points. Katie Frerking added eight as well. Freshman Jessica Jones led the Tigers with a career-high eight rebounds.
Arlesia Morse led Marquette with 13 points while Kenisha Bell and Tia Elbert had eight apiece. Marquette out-rebounded the Tigers 46-42.
With tonight's win, Auburn improved to a perfect 4-0 at home this season and won their eighth-straight game at Auburn Arena. The Tigers will look to continue their hot start at home as they play host to Southeastern Louisiana on Thursday, Dec. 4 at 6 p.m.