AUBURN, Ala. | Columbus State University Women's Basketball tested itself against Division I competition Wednesday night, battling Auburn University in exhibition action at Neville Arena before the Tigers pulled away in the second half for a 106-44 decision. Cougar nation showed out tonight, with alumni, fans, and students making the trip to watch the Cougars in action!

Led by Head Women's Basketball Coach Matt Houser, the Cougars created pressure from the opening possession, forcing Auburn into early turnovers and miscues.

Auburn opened a 9-0 advantage before Alana Hankerson put Columbus State on the board. Nadea Smith and Kaytlin Arnold followed with baskets as the Cougars began to settle into the contest.

Arnold provided the offensive spark throughout the opening period, attacking the basket, getting to the free throw line, and knocking down a three-pointer. Madi Hawk added three points from the stripe as Columbus State closed the first quarter trailing 28-15.

The Cougars continued to battle in the second quarter. Stella McIntyre knocked down a three-pointer early in the period before Madison Swint added a basket inside.

CSU then put together one of its strongest stretches of the night. Smith scored from the field and at the free throw line before Samara Saunders connected from three. Hawk followed with a layup, helping Columbus State cut the Auburn advantage to 45-29.

Saunders added another basket late in the half as the Cougars entered the locker room trailing 54-31.

Arnold led Columbus State with seven first-half points, while Smith added six. Saunders and Hawk each scored five as CSU produced 31 points over the opening 20 minutes.

The game swung heavily in Auburn's favor after halftime. The Tigers outscored Columbus State 35-5 in the third quarter to take an 89-36 advantage into the fourth.

CSU continued to compete through the final 10 minutes, scoring eight points in the fourth quarter before Auburn closed out the 106-44 exhibition result.

Arnold finished as Columbus State's leading scorer with 14 points, knocking down three three-pointers and converting three of her four attempts at the free throw line. She also collected two rebounds.

Smith joined Arnold in double figures with 10 points on four-of-10 shooting from the field and a perfect two-for-two performance at the free throw line. Smith added three rebounds and one assist.

Hawk finished with seven points and three rebounds while going five-for-six at the free throw line. Saunders added five points, three rebounds, and one assist, while McIntyre finished with four points, two rebounds, and two assists.

Hankerson scored two points and led Columbus State with three assists, while Swint added two points.

The Cougars forced Auburn into 19 turnovers and recorded 10 steals while scoring 10 points off turnovers. CSU also finished with nine assists and 23 rebounds.

Auburn shot 65.2 percent from the field and held a 45-23 advantage on the glass. Kaitlyn Duhon led the Tigers with 19 points and nine rebounds, while Danielle Osho added 18 points and Ashley Knox finished with 16.

The exhibition provided Columbus State with an opportunity to compete against Division I opposition before turning its attention toward the start of the 2026-27 regular season.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:

• Kaytlin Arnold: 14 points, three three-pointers, three made free throws, and two rebounds.

• Nadea Smith: 10 points, three rebounds, one assist, and four made field goals.

• Madi Hawk: Seven points, three rebounds, one assist, and five-of-six shooting from the free throw line.

• Samara Saunders: Five points, three rebounds, one assist, and one three-pointer.

• Stella McIntyre: Four points, two rebounds, two assists, and one three-pointer.

• Alana Hankerson: Two points and a team-high three assists.

• Columbus State: 44 points, 23 rebounds, nine assists, 10 steals, five three-pointers, and 19 Auburn turnovers forced.

UP NEXT:

Your Cougars open the 2026-27 regular season Monday, Nov. 9, against the University of West Alabama at the Frank G. Lumpkin Jr. Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 PM.