Auburn Women Snap Skid with Statement Win Over Middle Tennessee
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Auburn women’s basketball rolled into the Murphy Center Tuesday night looking to shake off a three-game losing streak - and they did a whole lot more than that. Behind a suffocating defensive effort and a breakout performance from Syriah Daniels, the Tigers put together one of their most complete games of the season in a 68-52 win over Middle Tennessee.
This was a team win in every sense. Auburn shot a blistering 57 percent from the field, forced 25 turnovers, and turned those mistakes into 28 points.
That kind of two-way dominance doesn’t just happen - it’s built on preparation, execution, and a commitment to identity. And right now, defense is Auburn’s identity.
“Defense is our calling card at this point,” head coach Larry Vickers said postgame. “Especially in the first half. We held that team to 15 points in the first half, and that’s a good basketball team.”
He’s not wrong. Middle Tennessee came in with weapons, but Auburn took away their strengths early and never let them get comfortable. The Tigers forced multiple shot clock violations, pressured the ball relentlessly, and dictated the pace from the opening tip.
Daniels Delivers in First Start
Making her first start of the season, Syriah Daniels didn’t just step up - she made the most of the moment. The Auburn High product matched a career-high with 14 points on 5-of-9 shooting, including a career-best three triples.
But it wasn’t just the scoring. Daniels filled the stat sheet: six rebounds (four on the offensive glass), four assists, two steals, and two blocks.
She was everywhere.
“She kind of plays behind Duhon in our rotation, who plays 30-plus minutes a game,” Vickers said. “So it was good to see her play a different position, and she did an excellent job.”
Daniels’ performance was sparked in part by a late-night film session. Vickers said he was reviewing clips of players who hadn’t seen much action this year and saw something in Daniels’ defense from a game against UAB last season. That trust paid off in a big way.
Coulibaly Sets the Tone Inside
Another first-time starter, Harissoum Coulibaly, led the team with 16 points on 8-of-11 shooting. She matched Daniels with four assists and added two steals, showing poise and efficiency on both ends. Her presence in the paint helped Auburn outscore MTSU 28-12 inside - a clear sign of physicality and control.
Coulibaly’s impact was felt most in the second quarter, where she poured in 10 points and capped off a 19-0 Auburn run with a buzzer-beating jumper to close the half. By then, the Tigers were up 35-15, and the game was firmly in their hands.
Balanced Contributions Across the Board
This wasn’t a two-player show. Auburn got meaningful contributions from up and down the roster.
- Khady Leye chipped in seven points and grabbed six boards.
- Kaitlyn Duhon, the usual starter ahead of Daniels, added eight points.
- Sania Richardson had a career-high four steals and five points, and her hustle helped spark several transition buckets.
The Tigers moved the ball with purpose, tallying 13 assists on 25 made field goals. That’s the kind of stat that speaks to chemistry and unselfishness - and it’s exactly what Vickers wants to see.
“That assist number was high,” he said. “That’s the number on the stat sheet that will tell you how we played.
We moved the ball, we got some fast-break transitions. Sania did a good job getting some easy layups for Harissoum.
The two freshmen, they did a good job tonight.”
A Defensive Clinic in the First Half
Auburn’s defense in the first half was nothing short of elite. After giving up the first bucket of the game, the Tigers locked in. Middle Tennessee managed just two points in the first seven minutes, and Auburn led 13-9 after one.
Then came the second-quarter avalanche.
The Tigers opened the frame with a 19-0 run and held MTSU scoreless for over eight minutes. Every possession was a battle, and Auburn brought the energy, communication, and discipline needed to win those battles. It was a masterclass in team defense.
Finishing Strong and Looking Ahead
The second half was all about maintaining control. Auburn’s lead ballooned to as much as 27 before MTSU knocked down some late buckets to trim the final margin to 16. But by then, the damage was done.
Sophomore walk-on Eva Garabadian got her first taste of game action, logging three minutes in the fourth quarter - a nice moment in a game that had already been decided.
Now at 9-3, Auburn heads back home for the first time in 18 days to host Alcorn State on Thursday, Dec. 18.
Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. at Neville Arena as part of the Plains Holiday Classic. Fans are encouraged to bring a stuffed animal for the annual Teddy Bear Toss at halftime.
But beyond the holiday fun, this team is starting to rediscover its rhythm. If the Tigers can bottle up Tuesday night’s defensive intensity and share the ball the way they did in Murfreesboro, they’ll be a tough out for anyone moving forward.