Tennessee Women's Basketball Dominates Auburn with Cooper and Barker Leading the Charge
Tennessee's women's basketball team secured a 73-56 victory over Auburn, with Talaysia Cooper leading the scoring with 18 points and Janiah Barker contributing 17 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks. Cooper and Barker showcased their shooting skills, with Cooper making 7 of 12 field goals and Barker going 6-for-10 from the field and 5 of 6 from the free-throw line. Khady Leye led Auburn with 14 points on 7 of 14 shooting, but the team struggled with shooting efficiency, hitting only 29% from the field.
In the first quarter, Tennessee dominated the game, shooting 50% from the field, 5 of 7 from beyond the arc, and holding Auburn to just 16% shooting. The Lady Vols took a commanding 22-9 lead into the second quarter, with Mia Pauldo, Mya Pauldo, and Cooper contributing key plays to extend the lead. By halftime, Tennessee had built a 41-26 advantage, with Barker leading the charge in a 12-1 run to close out the third quarter.
Throughout the second half, the Tigers were unable to close the gap, as Tennessee maintained a double-digit lead. Despite committing a season-high 25 turnovers, the Lady Vols controlled the game and secured their victory. With this win, Tennessee extended its lead in the all-time series against Auburn to 51-12.
Looking ahead, Tennessee will face Mississippi State, while Auburn will take on No. 2 Texas in their upcoming games. The Lady Vols continue to showcase their strength in the SEC, and their performance against Auburn highlights their potential for a successful season.