Dec. 11, 2016
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AUBURN, Ala. -- Brandy Montgomery scored 22 points, and Auburn's bench played extended minutes as the Tigers built a big early lead and cruised past Savannah State 75-46 Sunday afternoon at Auburn Arena.
The Tigers (7-2), coming off a nine-day break for final exams, showed no signs of rust as they jumped on Savannah State (2-7) early and never looked back.
"I was very impressed and proud in the way we came out in the first quarter," Auburn head coach Terri Williams-Flournoy said. "Coming off a break, coming off of (nine) days off of not playing, you just really never know as a coach what you're going to get when we step back on the floor."
Montgomery scored her 22 points in 22 minutes, shooting 9-for-15 from the field. It was the third time this season for the Auburn senior to top the 20-point mark. Tiffany Lewis scored a season-high 12 points -- her first double-digit effort since playing for Clemson two seasons ago -- to lead a season-best 28 points from the Auburn bench.
"It was nice getting my confidence back a little bit," Lewis said. "My teammates were finding me, getting me the open shots. I was feeling confident taking the shots, so it felt good."
All 10 players that suited up for the Tigers scored in the game, including season-highs from freshmen Tyra Johnson and Daisa Alexander.
"We knew that there were certain players that had to be ready to play because they've been asking for playing time - and be careful what you ask for because now you're getting thrown right into the fire of it," Williams-Flournoy said. "I thought they came in and did a good job."
Sophomore Janiah McKay had a career-high eight assists along with seven points, and Jazmine Jones and Katie Frerking had four steals apiece. Jessica Jones contributed five points, five rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a steal.
For the sixth time in nine games, Auburn forced its opponent into 25 or more turnovers, turning Savannah State over 28 times. They were able to convert those turnovers into 37 points, a season-high.
Offensively, Auburn matched a season-best shooting percentage at 50 percent (28-for-56) from the field. The Tigers also matched a season-high with eight made 3-pointers and shot 84.6 percent from the free-throw line. Auburn's 75 points were also the high mark of the season.
Auburn jumped out to a 12-2 lead in the game's first four minutes, forcing a quick SSU timeout. SSU got back within eight right out of the timeout, but a Frerking jumper put Auburn back up by 10. Savannah State would not get within single digits the rest of the way.
It was 20-8 at the end of the first quarter and 43-29 at halftime. Auburn would hold Savannah State to single-digits in the third and fourth quarters -- leading by as many as 32 - while the Tigers' bench took over down the stretch. Alexander, Tyra Johnson, Bria Johnson and Emari Jones all played season-high minutes off the bench.
Savannah State had no players in double-figures. Rhianna Warren led the Lady Tigers with nine points off the bench.
The Tigers return to action Wednesday night as they travel to Ruston, La., to face Louisiana Tech. Game time is 6:30 p.m. at the Thomas Assembly Center.