AUBURN, Ala. — Auburn women’s basketball opened the 2026-27 season with a dominant 84-35 win over Alabama State Monday night at Neville Arena in the annual Tipoff on the Plains. The Tigers started the new campaign with a convincing home win, setting the tone for their second season under head coach Larry Vickers.
Auburn entered the season looking to build on last year's progress, finishing the 2025-26 campaign with a 15-17 overall record. With a revamped roster featuring six returning players and eight newcomers, the Tigers began the season with an opportunity to establish their identity early. Monday’s 49-point victory provided a strong start in front of the home crowd.
The win also continued Auburn’s long-standing success against Alabama State. The Tigers improved to 25-0 all-time against the Lady Hornets, extending a series winning streak that dates back to the 1976-77 season. Auburn has won 47 of its last 48 home openers, continuing its strong history of opening the season at home.
Vickers, now in his second year leading the program, earned his second consecutive season-opening victory at Auburn. The Tigers closed their exhibition schedule with an impressive 106-44 win over Columbus State, carrying momentum into Monday’s regular-season debut. Auburn carried that momentum into its matchup with Alabama State, finishing the night with an 84-35 victory to begin the year 1-0.
The season opener marked the start of a busy November schedule for the Tigers, who will keep working to build chemistry among returning players and newcomers. With a combination of experience and fresh talent, Auburn will look to carry its opening-night performance into the rest of its nonconference schedule.
Auburn returns to Neville Arena Thursday, Nov. 5, to host the University of Southern Mississippi. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT, and the game will be available on SEC Network+.
