Auburn Women’s Basketball Team Set to Face Norfolk State at Home
The Auburn women’s basketball squad is gearing up for its final nonconference matchup of the 2024-25 season as they welcome Norfolk State to their home court. Currently riding a four-game winning streak, the Tigers recently achieved impressive victories over Louisiana and Alabama State.
Impressive Victory Against Alabama State
In their latest outing against Alabama State, Auburn secured a decisive win with a score of 83-40. DeYona Gaston stood out, contributing 35 points and shooting an impressive 14-for-17 in just over 25 minutes of play. Alongside her, Celia Sumbane added 16 points with 6-of-9 shooting from the field, while Syriah Daniels chipped in with eight points. This victory further solidified Auburn’s dominance, as they now boast a flawless 23-0 record against Alabama State.
Coach’s Praise for Rising Stars
Auburn head coach Johnnie Harris expressed his satisfaction with the performance of key players. “I was really pleased with how Celia and DeYona stepped up,” he stated. “Celia is so unselfish. This kid is getting better and better. We’re seeing her grow up before our eyes. She plays 100 percent and she’s giving everything she has.”
Standout Performers
Leading the Tigers, Gaston averages 22.1 points per game. Taliah Scott, despite having played only three games due to injury, had an impressive average of 20.3 points when she was on the court. Another vital contributor is Sumbane, who averages 10.5 points per game, marking her as one of the critical pieces of the Tigers’ success.
What Players Are Saying
Norfolk State’s Competitive Season
The Spartans have proven to be a formidable opponent this season, currently holding an 11-4 record. They have faced several high-major teams in closely contested matches, starting with a victory against Missouri in their season opener and coming within a 10-point margin of Alabama. However, their most recent game resulted in a 90-47 loss against No. 19 North Carolina.
Looking Back at Last Season
Last year, Auburn demonstrated their strength by defeating Norfolk State 67-39 at Neville Arena, marking their first meeting in program history. Sunday’s game will be the second time these two teams face off, with Auburn currently enjoying a 5-0 record at home this season.
Game Details
Tip-off for the game between Auburn and Norfolk State is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Sunday, December 29. Fans can catch all the live action on SEC Network+.
