The Tigers are off to a strong start under new head coach Larry Vickers and look to continue that momentum in their game against Georgia State. They are seeking their first 5-0 start since the 2016-17 season.
Auburn has posted an average win margin of 30 points through its first four games, proving it can put up numbers in a hurry. Four of Auburn’s five starters are averaging double-digit points, with Ja’Mia Harris leading the way at 13.8 per game.
The team’s dominance inside — both on the boards and in paint scoring — has fueled its ability to build large leads. Auburn has a plus-9.8 rebounding margin and is averaging 33.5 points in the paint.
“We’ve been so reliant on the 3 these last few games in the first quarter,” Vickers said after the Tigers’ game against Mississippi Valley State. “I felt like we did a good job getting paint touches and some easy layups. We kept putting pressure on them.”
Against Mississippi Valley State, the Tigers put together one of their most complete offensive games of the season. Six players scored in double figures — something that hadn’t happened since the 2018-19 season opener. The team is also coming off its best 3-point shooting performance since facing Colgate in 2007, finishing 9-for-13 (69.2%).
Auburn will look to pair its accuracy from deep with consistent paint production for a more balanced scoring effort across all three levels. One player who has been on a hot streak is Mya Petticord, a senior transfer from Rutgers who has scored 21 and 18 points in her past two games. She is shooting 56.3% from 3-point range this season.
Limiting turnovers will be key for Auburn, which has been solid in that area so far. Georgia State, however, presents a challenge, ranking 11th in the nation with 16.8 steals per game. Auburn’s guards will need to prioritize ball security and crisp passing within Vickers’ offensive system to break down the Panthers’ defense.
Defensively, the Tigers’ top priority will be slowing Crystal Henderson, Georgia State’s leading scorer at 18.8 points per game. Auburn will also need to keep the Panthers off the offensive glass. Their leading rebounder, Morgan Robinson-Nwagwu — who played her first two seasons at Auburn — is averaging 7.5 boards per game.
Both teams will be playing for the lead in the all-time series, which is tied at seven apiece. Tipoff for Auburn vs. Georgia State is Monday at 6 p.m. CST inside Neville Arena. The game will be broadcast on SECN+.
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