AUBURN, Ala. (Interstat) — The Auburn Tigers edged the Alabama Crimson Tide 58-54 in a defensive Southeastern Conference women’s basketball game Thursday night at Auburn Arena. Auburn secured the win at the free-throw line, making 12 of 14 attempts while Alabama hit just 5 of 8. The Tigers’ Khady Leye scored 16 points. Alabama’s Jessica Timmons also scored 16, and Ta’Mia Scott added 12. Auburn led 30-29 at halftime and maintained a narrow advantage throughout the second half. Alabama, which entered the game with a 17-1 record, had its comeback attempt fall short despite forcing 19 turnovers. Auburn improved to 13-6. Attendance was 3,464.

AUBURN, Ala. (Interstat) — In a defensive struggle defined by grit over grace, the Auburn Tigers edged the Alabama Crimson Tide 58-54 in a Southeastern Conference women’s basketball thriller on Thursday night at a packed Auburn Arena. The game, witnessed by 3,464 fans, was a stark departure from pregame projections that heavily favored the visiting Crimson Tide. Alabama entered as a double-digit favorite but found itself locked in a low-possession, high-intensity battle where every basket was a premium. The four-point final margin was the largest lead either team held in a tense fourth quarter that saw five ties and three lead changes. Auburn improved to 13-6 overall and secured a crucial conference victory, while No. 17-ranked Alabama, which came in riding a three-game winning streak, fell to 17-2. The combined 112 points fell well below the pregame over/under line of 123.5, underscoring the defensive nature of the contest. The most pivotal sequence unfolded in the final minute with the score knotted at 54. After an Alabama turnover, Auburn’s Khady Leye was fouled on a drive to the basket with 51 seconds remaining. The sophomore from Senegal, who led all scorers with 16 points, calmly sank both free throws to put the Tigers ahead for good at 56-54. Alabama had a chance to answer, but Jessica Timmons’ contested jumper rimmed out with 32 seconds left. Leye secured the defensive rebound, was immediately fouled, and again converted both attempts from the line to push the lead to 58-54 with 51 ticks remaining. The Crimson Tide committed two more turnovers in their ensuing possessions, sealing their fate. The contest was a study in contrasting efficiencies on a night where offensive flow was scarce. Both teams shot an identical 21-for-50 from the field, but Auburn’s advantage at the free-throw line proved decisive. The Tigers made 12 of 14 attempts, while Alabama managed just 5 of 8. Auburn also capitalized on Alabama’s 17 turnovers, scoring 20 points off them, matching the Tide’s output from Auburn’s 19 giveaways. Alabama’s offense, which had averaged over 70 points per game, was stifled for long stretches. The Tide scored only eight points in both the first and third quarters. Ta’Mia Scott and Jessica Timmons each scored 12 points to lead Alabama, while Karly Weathers added 10. The Tide’s interior presence, Naomi Jones, contributed five points and three blocked shots. For Auburn, Leye’s 16-point performance was complemented by 10 points each from Kaitlyn Duhon and Ja’Mia Harris. Harris also went a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line, including two clutch makes with three seconds remaining to provide the final margin. Mya Petticord added seven points and a key steal for the Tigers. The first half set the tone for the defensive slugfest. Auburn led 11-8 after a disjointed first quarter before Alabama used a 21-point second period, sparked by three-pointers from Weathers and Ace Austin, to take a 29-30 lead into halftime. The Tigers reclaimed control with a 13-8 third quarter, setting the stage for the back-and-forth final frame. Auburn’s victory marked a significant resilience test passed, having weathered a 36-point loss at Texas in its previous outing. Alabama, which had won its last three SEC games by an average of 18 points, will look to regroup quickly as it prepares to host Tennessee on Sunday. Auburn next travels to face Vanderbilt on Thursday, Jan. 22.

Alabama Visits Auburn in Key SEC Women’s Basketball Clash AUBURN, Ala. (Interstat) — A surging Alabama women’s basketball team, boasting one of the nation’s best records, aims to continue its dominant run when it visits rival Auburn in a Southeastern Conference matchup Thursday night at Auburn Arena. The Crimson Tide (17-1, 3-1 SEC) have won 12 of their last 13 games, their lone loss a 26-point setback at then-South Carolina on Jan. 1. They are coming off a 74-63 road victory at Missouri on Monday, powered by 23 points from guard Karly Weathers. Weathers has been a catalyst for Alabama’s high-scoring offense. Over her last six games, she is averaging 12.0 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists, including her season-high 23-point performance against Missouri. She is complemented by Jessica Timmons (16 points vs. Missouri) and Ta’Mia Scott (15 points vs. Missouri). The Auburn Tigers (12-6, 1-3) look to build momentum after snapping a three-game skid with a 60-50 home win over Florida on Sunday. Guard Kaitlyn Duhon led the way with 14 points, six rebounds and four assists in that victory. Over her last four games, Duhon is averaging 9.8 points and 3.3 rebounds. Auburn’s conference start has been challenging, with losses to Texas, Tennessee and Mississippi State before the Florida win. The Tigers will need a stout defensive effort to slow an Alabama team that averages 70.2 points per game and has won its SEC games by an average margin of 19.3 points, excluding the South Carolina loss. The rivalry adds intensity to the conference standings. Alabama’s potent offense, ranked among the SEC’s best, will test an Auburn defense that allows just 57.8 points per game at home this season. A win for the Tigers would be a signature resume-builder, while the Crimson Tide seek to maintain their position atop the league. Following this game, Alabama hosts Tennessee on Sunday. Auburn travels to Vanderbilt next Thursday. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST.