Auburn Seeks Road Win at Middle Tennessee in Non-Conference Finale

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (Interstat) — The Auburn women’s basketball team looks to rebound from a tough road loss when it visits Middle Tennessee for a non-conference matchup Tuesday night at Murphy Athletics Center.

The Tigers (8-3) enter having dropped three of their last four, including a 69-63 defeat at Seton Hall on Sunday. Auburn’s offense has struggled during the skid, averaging just 59 points per game in those three losses after a strong start to the season.

A key to reigniting the attack will be guard Kaitlyn Duhon. She is coming off a 20-point, eight-rebound performance against Seton Hall and has been Auburn’s most consistent scorer in recent weeks. Forward Ja’Mia Harris, who added 14 points and seven rebounds Sunday, provides a secondary option.

The Blue Raiders (4-6) have also faced recent challenges, losing four of their last six. They are looking to bounce back from a 76-59 loss at Southern Indiana, where defensive struggles persisted. Middle Tennessee has allowed an average of 70.2 points in its six defeats.

Middle Tennessee will rely on forward Macie Phifer, who recorded a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double in the loss to Southern Indiana. She leads a frontcourt that also features Blair Baugus, who had an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double in the same game. Guard Yu Han Lin facilitates the offense, dishing out seven assists last time out.

Historically, Auburn has dominated the series, winning all five previous meetings. The Tigers won the most recent contest, 76-66, on Dec. 19, 2024.

For Auburn, this game represents a final tune-up before Southeastern Conference play begins Jan. 1. For Middle Tennessee, it’s an opportunity to secure a resume-building win against a power-conference opponent before its Conference USA schedule.

Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. EST. Auburn returns home to face Alcorn State on Thursday, while Middle Tennessee travels to Wichita State on Saturday.