Clutch Free Throws, Lockdown Defense Deliver Tigers’ First Top-25 Victory Since 2024
Auburn sealed the win at the free-throw line, going a perfect 10-for-10 in the fourth quarter while holding Alabama nearly 20 points below its season scoring average. The result marked a signature moment for first-year head coach Larry Vickers, who earned his first rivalry win in Neville Arena.
“I’m super proud of my team,” Vickers said after the game. “They came out with a different level of intensity and did a tremendous job of making Alabama work for everything they got. Defensively, this was by far our most complete game.”
Defense, Discipline Decide the Rivalry
The Tigers’ defensive execution defined the night. After Auburn went ahead late, Khady Leye knocked down two free throws with 51 seconds remaining to extend the lead to five. Alabama’s Jessica Timmons answered with a clutch three to cut it to two, setting up a tense finish.
Moments later, Auburn freshman Syriah Daniels delivered the play of the game, stepping in to take a charge on Timmons with four seconds left.
“She’s one of our better defenders,” Vickers said. “She did an excellent job of being low, sliding over, and taking the charge.”
Ja’Mia Harris iced the game with two free throws in the final seconds, capping a flawless closing stretch.
Leye Leads, Tigers Control the Tempo
Leye paced Auburn with 16 points and nine rebounds, controlling the paint and delivering in critical moments. Timmons matched her with 16 points for Alabama (17–2, 3–2 SEC), but the Crimson Tide struggled to find rhythm against Auburn’s physical defense.
“We were all focused on getting this W,” Leye said. “We worked for it. This is a great feeling.”
Auburn set the tone early, forcing seven first-quarter turnovers and converting them into nine points. A three-pointer from Mya Petticord and a Leye steal-and-score helped the Tigers take an 11–8 lead after one quarter.
The Tigers built momentum in the second with a 7–0 run, highlighted by a Harris corner three and a steal-and-layup from Harissoum Coulibaly, pushing Auburn ahead 26–17. Alabama rallied late, but Leye’s bucket before the break gave Auburn a 30–29 halftime lead.
Auburn extended its advantage in the third quarter behind jumpers from Leye and a three from A’riel Jackson, heading into the fourth up 43–37.
Foul trouble tested the Tigers when Kaitlyn Duhon picked up her fourth foul early in the fourth, sparking an 8–0 Alabama run. Duhon later fouled out after posting 10 points, six rebounds, two steals, and a block, but Auburn responded with a next-player-up mentality.
“Our group did a good job rebounding together,” Vickers said. “Everybody picked up off that energy.”
From there, Auburn closed the door at the stripe, hitting 6-of-6 free throws in the final 1:07 to secure the upset.
What’s Next
The Tigers improve to 13–6 overall and 2–3 in SEC play and will look to carry momentum into a challenging stretch. After an open date, Auburn travels to face Vanderbilt Commodores next Thursday before returning home to host Oklahoma Sooners on Sunday, Jan. 25.
For one night in Auburn, however, the focus was clear: defense, composure, and a rivalry win that signals the Tigers’ arrival.
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-- By Masakela Rawls
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