BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Auburn women’s basketball team opened the 2026-27 season with a 65-59 exhibition win over UCF Wednesday at historic Boutwell Auditorium in downtown Birmingham.
“We're really still trying to figure each other out,“ said head coach Larry Vickers. “We've been practicing all summer, but it takes this environment to really learn about ourselves. We learned that we have to share the ball more and be more consistent with our energy. This is a new group. It is going to take time for us to learn to play together and gel.”
Kaitlyn Duhon’s three pointer with 3:42 remaining in the game broke a 53-53 tie to help the Tigers close on a 12-6 run for the victory. The Tigers sealed the win with a pair of clutch three pointers from Ja’Mia Harris and Daniel Osho in the last two minutes.
Auburn was led by Harris’ game-high 23 points on 10-of-17 shooting, while Osho added 12 points and six boards. Quanirah Montague added five points, six rebounds and a team-high four assists in 18 minutes off the bench.
The Tigers used a full rotation as 12 players saw action, including 10 that played double-digit minutes.
Following a quick Knights bucket off the opening tap, Auburn went on a 12-0 run and led 24-6 after the first quarter behind a strong defensive effort. The Tigers forced eight UCF turnovers while holding the Knights to 1-of-11 shooting in the first 10 minutes.
Auburn forced 13 turnovers in the first 20 minutes, scoring 19 points off UCF miscues. Harris led Auburn with 13 points first half points on 6-of-11 from the field.
UCF battled back in the second half with a solid shooting effort, tying the game 49-49 at 8:02 of fourth quarter. The Knights tied the game on two other occasions before Duhon’s long-range shot gave Auburn the lead for good.
The Knights were led by Vittoria Blasigh’s 19 points and seven rebounds.
Auburn will play its final exhibition on Wednesday, Oct. 28 against Columbus State in Neville Arena at 6 p.m. CT. Admission is free.