Johnnie Harris and the Auburn Tigers continue to take steps in the rebuild of the women’s basketball program as they make the school’s 22nd appearance in the NCAA Tournament, marking their return to March Madness after a brief hiatus. With a season record of 20-11, the Tigers are set to face off against the Arizona Wildcats in the First Four clash on Thursday night at Gampel Pavilion at the University of Connecticut.
The Tigers, led by their standout players, are determined to make their mark in the tournament. Honesty Scott-Grayson, a First-team All-SEC selection, has been instrumental for Auburn, consistently delivering impressive performances throughout the season.
Scott-Grayson's ability to score, averaging 17.4 points per game, has been crucial for the Tigers' success. Alongside Scott-Grayson, JaMya Mingo-Young has showcased her skills, leading Auburn with four assists per game and demonstrating exceptional playmaking abilities.
Auburn's journey to the tournament has been characterized by resilience and determination, overcoming challenges to secure its spot on the national stage. Despite a recent setback in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals against LSU, where they fell short in a 78-48 defeat, the Tigers remain focused on making a strong showing in the NCAA Tournament.
The Tigers’ defense has been a key factor in their success this season, holding their opponents to an average of 62.3 points per game as well as averaging of 9.2 steals per game. Mingo-Young leads the charge defensively, averaging 1.5 steals per game, while Taylen Collins anchors the paint with her shot-blocking ability, averaging 0.9 blocks per game.
Facing Auburn in the First Four matchup is the Arizona Wildcats, led by head coach Adia Barnes. Arizona, making its fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance, brings a formidable lineup to the court. With a season record of 17-15, the Wildcats are eager to showcase their prowess on the national stage once again.
The Wildcats boast a strong defensive game, ranking seventh nationally in steals per game with 11.6, a testament to their ability to disrupt opponents' offenses. Guard Helena Pueyo has been a standout performer for Arizona, leading the Pac-12 in steals per game with 3.2 and demonstrating her defensive prowess on the court.
In addition to Pueyo's defensive contributions, Esmery Martinez has been a force to be reckoned with, showcasing her dominance in the paint with her rebounding ability. Martinez, fourth among active Division I players in career rebounds, provides Arizona with a formidable presence in the paint.
With a trip to the first round on the line, the Tigers and Wildcats are scheduled to tip off from the Gampel Pavilion in Storrs, Connecticut, in the First Four matchup on Thursday, March 21 at 6:10 p.m. CST with television coverage on ESPN2.
The winner of Thursday’s contest will earn the No. 11 seed in the third region and take on the No. 6 seed Syracuse Orange in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday, March 23 at 2:30pm CT.
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Patrick is a sophomore from Auburn, Alabama, double majoring in journalism and marketing. He started with The Plainsman in fall 2022.
