In a thrilling showdown on Thursday night, the Auburn women's basketball team faced a formidable challenge against Ole Miss, battling back from an 18-point deficit but ultimately succumbing to a 58-55 loss. Despite the disappointment, the game highlighted the Tigers' determination as they clawed their way back, narrowing the gap to just one point in the final minute.
Honesty Scott-Grayson played a pivotal role in Auburn's comeback, delivering a crucial bucket-and-one with 1:01 remaining, bringing the score to 54-53. Despite having opportunities in the final minute to turn the tide, Auburn could not seize the moment. Scott-Grayson, fouled twice in the closing moments, managed to convert one free throw each time, maintaining the deficit at one.
Ole Miss secured a more comfortable lead with 12 seconds left, hitting a pair of successful free throws and setting the stage for a tense finish. Auburn had a chance to force overtime or snatch victory with an open look at a 3-pointer in the final seconds, but the shot failed to find its mark.
"This team, I'm really proud of them for how tough they played," Auburn head coach Jonnie Harris said. "They battled back, and they didn't quit. We're right there. This is a really good team we played."
Despite early foul trouble, Scott-Grayson emerged as the game's leading scorer with 16 points, making her the sole Auburn player in double figures. JaMya Mingo-Young and Celia Sumbane contributed nine points each, while Oyindamola Akinbolawa led the Tigers with six rebounds.
For the first three quarters, Auburn grappled with shooting struggles, managing only a 22 percent field goal rate. However, a remarkable turnaround in the fourth quarter saw Auburn shoot 6-of-10 from the field and 9-of-11 from the free-throw line. This offensive surge, coupled with a strong defensive effort, forced six Ole Miss turnovers, laying the foundation for the Tigers' comeback bid.
Ole Miss seemingly took control in the third quarter, capitalizing on eight Auburn turnovers and outscoring them 22-13, turning a six-point halftime lead into a 15-point advantage. Nevertheless, Auburn mounted a comeback in the fourth quarter, sparked by an 8-0 run from Sumbane and contributions from Mingo-Young and Taylen Collins.
The first half of the game featured low-scoring affairs, with Ole Miss holding a 27-21 lead at halftime. Auburn struggled to find offensive rhythm, trailing by one possession on three occasions but unable to tie or take the lead.
Auburn shot a season-low 29.1 percent for the game, in contrast to Ole Miss' 40 percent accuracy. Despite being out-rebounded 43-35, Auburn maintained efficiency at the free-throw line, finishing 20-of-24 and achieving above 80 percent for the fifth time in the last six games.
Marquesha Davis led Ole Miss with 15 points, supported by Madison Scott's 10 points and eight assists.
Looking ahead, Auburn returns to Neville Arena for a challenging matchup against No. 7/4 LSU. The Sunday game at 2 p.m. CT will be nationally broadcasted on ESPN, providing the Tigers with an opportunity to rebound from the tough loss and make a statement against a formidable opponent.
