Don’t look now, but Nell Fortner’s Lady Tigers have won two consecutive conference games for the first time this season. The Tigers have still lost five of their last eight games, but are on the verge of turning the corner. 

A week after thumping the Crimson Tide, 62-48, in Tuscaloosa, Auburn earned its third conference victory Sunday afternoon in Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum, beating Mississippi State (14-8, 2-5 SEC) by a score of 68-42. Auburn dominated the tempo of the game from the opening tip-off and took a forceful 35-22 lead into halftime. The Lady Tigers exploded to a 30-point second-half lead, thanks in part to a 21-4 run to start the half. 

The Bulldogs battled back late in the game, but just didn’t have enough to remain competitive.  Auburn’s Cassie Moore scored a career high 17 points to pace the Tiger’s victory.

“I was really proud of how she responded today,” said Head Coach Nell Fortner. “She was quick on her feet and she had great focus on her finishes and really made a difference with offensive rebounds.” 

DeWanna Bonner was dominant as usual. She recorded her ninth double-double of the season, pouring in 15 points and adding 13 rebounds. Sherell Hobbs was also in double figures with 12 points. 

Auburn has two formidable road games ahead, as they travel to Florida (14-8, 3-4 SEC) Thursday and then to Arkansas (17-5, 2-5 SEC) on Sunday.
 
“We have got a tough two games ahead of us now with Florida and Arkansas on the road,” Fortner said. “Florida is playing well. They lost a close one to LSU today. Arkansas lost today at South Carolina, but we are going to be playing them at their home. Every game on the road in this league is tough. Florida has some good experienced players that will be hungry to win. We have our work cut out for us.”

Auburn improved to 15-6 overall and 3-3 in SEC play.