NASHVILLE — Auburn (9-7, 2-1 SEC) battled from behind to tie Vanderbilt (11-5, 2-1 SEC), 33-33, early in the second half, but a 17-4 Commodore run stifled a Tiger comeback as Vanderbilt went on to take the 67-59 victory Sunday in SEC women’s basketball action.

Sophomore Blanche Alverson led Auburn with 12 points, including 6 straight to tie the game in the first 5 minutes of the second half. Senior Alli Smalley followed with 10, while freshman Peyton Davis led the Tigers in rebounding with seven boards along with her six points.

“We had a tough run there in the second half, Vanderbilt went on a 17-4 run and that pretty much sunk us at that point,” Auburn head coach Nell Fortner said. “We fought back and battled back hard, but seven turnovers during that run sealed our fate.”

Tuomi led Vanderbilt with 22 points, followed by Jence Rhoads with 16 and Stephanie Holzer with 9. Holzer and Rhoads also led the Commodores in rebounding with a game-highs of eight.

Vanderbilt shot 52.0 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from 3-point range, connecting on 3-of-9 treys. The Tigers and Commodores tied in rebounding, 36-36.

Auburn shot 36.5 percent in the game, but was 14-of-28 from the field in the second half.

The Tigers were also 3-of-14 from 3-point range and 10-of-13 from the free throw line.

Auburn stayed in the game with its defense, collecting 11 steals while scoring 20 points off VU’s 20 turnovers. Smalley led the Tigers with three steals.

The Tigers will return to action at 6 p.m. Thursday for the beginning of a two-game homestand with Ole Miss.