Change is the only thing that stays the same.
This summer, the NCAA decided to change the time intervals for women’s basketball, distancing itself from the 20-minute half format, and making the change to four 10-minute quarters. The NCAA justified the decision by insisting the change to enhance the flow of the game.
Friday night, the flow of the game wasn’t an issue, as the Tigers used a balanced scoring attack to defeat UAB, 85-71 in both teams' season opener.
Going on a 7-0 run to start off the first game is a nice way to start out the season, to say the least. After giving up seven points, UAB had to call a timeout to regroup. Auburn’s fast paced three-quarter-court press seemed to have UAB’s number, but the Blazers regained confidence after the timeout. UAB's guards displayed tremendous patience and cross-court vision to break the press and answered with a trio of 3-pointers.
Auburn’s press enhanced the speed of the game. Jazmine Jones headed the zone press, and the sophomore used her 6-foot-2 frame extremely well, causing problems swinging the ball across the court.
What really stood out about the Tigers’ game was their post play. Adrian Walters has been impressive with the post players. Jones proved an athletic presence on the defensive side of the ball. Senior forward Tra’Cee Tanner played particularly well, showing quickness and decisiveness around the rim. She was consistently in the paint working hard for rebounds, finishing the game with 18 points and 10 rebounds.
Katie Frerking was also a big part of Auburn’s defensive efforts and made four 3-pointers in the process. Auburn boasted four starters with at least 10 points.
Auburn had several standout guards as well, including junior Brandy Montgomery and freshman Janiah McKay, who finished the game with 24 and 20 points, respectively. These two guards showed phenomenal scoring potential, with swiftness and creativity around the bucket.
“When a freshman goes with 20 points and seven assists in their first game, you can't be too mad with that," coach Terri Williams-Flournoy said.
Montgomery was quick to praise the freshmen as well, calling them “confident and fearless."
Williams-Flournoy said “the energy level was much better" in the second half. Players noticed a big difference in the flow of the game with the four 10-minute quarters.
UAB’s senior guard Chelsee Black finished the game with 22, which led the Blazers in scoring. Deanna Kuzmanic finished with five 3-pointers, and Brittany Winborne led the Blazers in rebounding with 10.
The Tigers should be well-rested and will look to take care of business on the road Monday against Southeastern Louisiana (0-1) at 7 p.m.
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