AU WOMEN’S HOOPS: Tigers look to rebound vs. Georgia Southern

Sure, the Auburn women’s basketball team lost by 20 points to then-No. 15 Texas A&M on Sunday — the Tigers’ second loss of the season.

But, according to head coach Nell Fortner, there is a silver lining.

“There’s a lot to learn from (Sunday),” Fortner said. “I thought there were some things we made improvement on. We are not the team we will be in a month and a half. We’re going to get better every time out.”

With such a young team — the Tigers have started at least two true freshmen this season — optimism is crucial.

And the road to getting better picks up again today, as Auburn will host Georgia Southern (1-1) at 6 p.m.
in Beard-Eaves-Memorial Coliseum.

Of course, two more losses for Auburn (2-2) will match last year’s season total from the team that won
the SEC regular-season championship.

But, of course, this isn’t last year.

“We’ve basically just got to become a better team,” Fortner said.

And that, the coach says, starts with playing better defense.

The Tigers will need to tonight against a team like Georgia Southern.

“They run a really disciplined offense,” Fortner said. “They run the flex a lot. They’re very exact about it and they run it very well. You’ve got to be prepared to guard it.

“They’ve got good 3-point shooters. You just have to be disciplined in how you defend it and make sure you don’t give up any easy shots in it.”

Auburn is led by junior guard Alli Smalley and her 20.5 points per game. True freshman Nicolle Thomas is second on the team with 9.5 points per game.

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