Auburn women’s basketball took care of business against UTSA, and now the Tigers turn their attention to a much tougher test: the Cal Golden Bears. This is a neutral-site matchup, but it won’t feel neutral. Cal has been rolling early, and Auburn is once again an analytics underdog.
But this Auburn team thrives on defense — and that’s exactly what this game will come down to.
What Makes Cal Dangerous
Head coach Charmin Smith has her squad playing efficient, poised basketball. They’re averaging 68 points per game, shoot well in the post, and feature multiple double-digit scorers:
- Taylor Barnes (10.1PPG and 5.3 REB)
- Sakima Walker (10.9 PPG and 6.6 REB and 1.4 BLK)
- Mjracle Sheppard (11.2 PGG including shooting 44.4% from 3)
- Lulu Twidale (14 PPG)
Walker especially is a problem. Auburn tried to recruit her out of JUCO before she landed at South Carolina, and now she’s the centerpiece of Cal’s interior attack. She finishes well around the rim, draws fouls, and protects the paint.
Where Auburn Has the Edge
Defense. Defense. More defense.
Auburn is currently 15th in the country in forced turnover percentage. They turn teams over at a suffocating rate and convert those mistakes into easy points.
They’re also scoring 72.3 points per game, which isn’t elite efficiency — but it’s more than enough when your defense is choking the life out of opponents.
If this becomes a grind-it-out defensive battle, Auburn’s style gives them a real path to victory.
Keys for Auburn
1. Win the Turnover Battle
Cal protects the ball well. Auburn forces turnovers better than almost anyone. Something has to give.
2. Control the Paint Against Walker
Even if you don’t stop her, you must make her work.
3. Avoid Offensive Stagnation
Auburn can’t afford long scoring droughts like they’ve had in previous games. Keep the pace high and generate transition opportunities.
4. Late-Game Execution
Analytics favor Cal by 2.5 points. That screams close finish. Auburn has already shown vs Rutgers they can claw out a win late — they may need that same mentality here.
What’s at Stake
A win keeps Auburn undefeated and puts a national spotlight on Coach Vickers’ group. A loss doesn’t derail anything — but it is the type of matchup Auburn must learn to win if they want to be a postseason threat.
This one is going to be a battle of wills: Cal’s efficiency vs Auburn’s relentless pressure.
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