In hopes of breaking its three-game losing streak, Auburn returns home to face the Texas A&M Aggies — a team the Tigers have never beaten.
Auburn has faced the Aggies 16 times in its history and has lost each of those matchups, losing nine of the games by 15 points or more. This year, however, the Tigers have outscored Texas A&M throughout the season, averaging 67.2 points per game, while the Aggies have averaged just 54.8.
For the Tigers (13-11, 3-9 SEC), freshman Kharyssa Richardson has emerged as a top scorer, scoring 15 points in Auburn's last game against Alabama. Richardson is the fourth-leading scorer on the team and leads the team in blocks.
Junior guard Aicha Coulibaly has also been crucial for Auburn, averaging 16.3 points per game, which leads the team. She has been consistent with her scoring, even against strong opponents — she scored 16 points against No. 1 South Carolina and 15 against No. 3 LSU. Along with her offense, Coulibaly has proven to be a strong defender as well, having a total of 42 blocks this season and averaging 6.4 rebounds per game.
Both Richardson and Coulibaly play aggressively and fight to win the ball. Coulibaly leads the team in steals and rebounds with Richardson right behind her. Texas A&M coach Joni Taylor has recognized the effective pressure Auburn puts on its opponents.
“We've got to level ourselves up for a game that's tough and show some resiliency,” Taylor said. “(We need to) be able to execute offensively knowing we're gonna get pressured all night long on the road in a tough environment.”
For the Aggies (6-16, 1-11 SEC), freshman guard Sydney Bowles is coming off a career-high 16-point performance against Mississippi State. Bowles has 10 games in which she reached double figures in points and is capable of making it 11 against Auburn tomorrow after gaining momentum from last weekend’s game.
Texas A&M has held 20 teams this season below their average scoring output. The Aggies have averaged more rebounds and blocks than their opponents. Fifth-year senior Aaliyah Patty has been a major part of this strong defense — she leads the team in rebounds and blocks and is third in steals. Helping Patty defensively, Sahara Jones has also been a consistent defender and is second behind Patty in rebounds and third in steals.
Both teams have shown to play aggressive, physical defenses and are looking to break a losing streak, making the game extremely competitive.
“I mean, you look at an Auburn team that plays really well at home. They've won a lot lately,” said Taylor. “They’re physical, probably one of the most physical teams that we're going to face in this league in terms of how they defend you and then just make it really tough.”
The game will be played in Neville Arena and will begin at 5 p.m. CST, two hours earlier than originally scheduled due to potential severe weather. The game broadcast will be available on SEC Network+.
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Amanda Davidson is a sophomore at Auburn, majoring in journalism and minoring in marketing and studio arts. From LaGrange, Ga., she started with The Plainsman in fall 2022.
Twitter: @Manny1Davidson
