TV: CSS

Time: Thursday, 9 p.m.

Simmons is averaging 16.6 points per game.
Photo by Reed Carringer

KNOXVILLE— The Lady Vols (13-3) are 4-0 in conference play headed into their matchup with Auburn (13-4, 2-2). Tennessee has won four straight games against the Tigers but will be in for a tough road test.

Auburn is led by Hasina Muhammad. The 6-1 guard from Memphis, Tennessee, leads the Tigers in scoring at 17.0 points per game. While not a threat beyond the arc (she’s attempted only 12 3’s), the athletic guard is shooting 46% from the field for the year and grabs 5.9 rebounds per game. Senior forward Blanche Alverson averages 12.2 points per game and is shooting 42% from beyond the arc.

Holly Warlick’s squad will look to Meighan Simmons  to continue her stellar play. The junior guard leads the Lady Vols in scoring (16.6 points per game) and is coming off a game-high 27 points in a 78-75 OT win against the Gators. Simmons has improved her average by 5.5 points per game when compared to last season. Bashaara Graves and Isabelle Harrison have been a nightmare for opponents in the paint, and if the Auburn Tigers hope to pick up the upset, they’ll have to contain Tennessee’s deadly trio.

Prediction: The Lady Vols to emerge victorious and move to 13-4.