ESPN predicts Auburn women's basketball's season-opener vs. Alabama State

Auburn women's basketball opens the 2026-27 season on Monday in Neville Arena against in-state foe Alabama State, and ESPN expects the Tigers to kick off year two of the Larry Vickers era with a convincing win. ESPN favors the Tigers in their Monday matchup with Alabama State by giving them a 99% chance to win. A win over Alabama State would give Auburn its second season-opening win in as many seasons under Vickers' leadership, and its second win over Alabama State in as many seasons. Last season, the Tigers beat the Hornets, 82-41, behind Mya Petticord's 21-point, four-assist outing. Last season's win over the Hornets was part of Auburn's 8-0 run to begin the season, which included wins over Rutgers, UTSA, and California. Ja'Mia Harris and Kaitlyn Duhon headline Auburn's roster this season as returning players, with Savannah Scott returning to Auburn after spending a season at UCF. Transfers Phoenix Stotijn (Indiana), Zahara Bishop (Seton Hall), and Danielle Osho (Miami) reached double figures in points in Auburn's final preseason exhibition against Columbus State, and freshman Ashley Knox is poised to break out this season. Auburn gets its season underway Monday at 6 p.m. CT against Alabama State. SEC Network+ will stream the game live from Neville Arena. Taylor Jones is the lead writer for Auburn Wire, part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) and BlueSky. Follow Auburn Wire on X and Facebook. This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: ESPN predicts Auburn women's basketball's season-opener vs. Alabama State