The Auburn women's basketball team, fresh off hitting a program milestone of 800 career victories, will reach for 801 Friday when taking on one of basketball's most historic programs: Duke University.
Coach Nell Fortner said the 800th win Tuesday night in the team's home-opener against Belmont was a special one.
"It is a great milestone for the program," Fortner said. "I am a very small part of that in my coaching here, but I think it is just a testament of the longevity of women's basketball here at Auburn."
Fortner said the team will have to put aside the emotion of achieving 800 wins and focus on the task ahead if it is to upset the Blue Devils.
"We have a great challenge coming up going to Duke playing on their home court," Fortner said. "We will work hard these next two days and see what we can do. It is a great challenge, and we are looking forward to playing it."
Fortner expects sophomore guard Camille Glymph, who scored 18 points against Belmont, including five baskets from 3-point range, to have another great game against the No. 8 Duke team.
"She is a rhythm shooter," Fortner said. "Really though, nothing surprises me from where she shoots from because I see her do it all time. She puts so much time into her game that she can shoot them."
The Tigers look forward to increasing their success rate from the 3-point line.
While the Tigers failed to knock down any 3-pointers in the season-opener against Mercer University Nov. 11, they made 10 from behind the arc against Belmont.
Glymph said the 3-point line, which this year is the same as the college men's at 20 feet and nine inches, has not affected her.
"I've always shot from deep, so it really it has not made that much difference for me." Glymph said
Against Belmont, Glymph hit a three that was closer to the half court line than the 3-point line.
"I was feeling it and I let it go and it dropped for me," Glymph said about the shot.
Sophomore forward Tyrese Tanner said she agrees the team has not noticed the difference in the line, and they have to hit them no matter the distance.
"I'm really not a 3-point shooter, but I really don't think it makes much of a difference for our 3-point shooters like Camille and Blanche (Alverson)," Tanner said. "We just have to learn how to knock them down."
Duke defeated Brigham Young University 61-55 in their only regular season game this year.
However, in an exhibition game against Pfeiffer University, Duke proved the team's explosive scoring capabilities in a 112-27 blowout of the Falcons.
To be successful against Duke's offensive attack, the Tigers will have to defend the interior offense that Duke thrives on.
Auburn will attempt to avenge last year's 75-62 home loss to the Blue Devils.
The Tigers were outscored 48-10 in the paint in that game.
The Tigers and the No. 8 Blue Devils will meet in Durham, N.C., Friday at 11 a.m. at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
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