CHICAGO — The Auburn women’s basketball team (4-6) will conclude its eight-day, three-city road trip at 1 p.m. today against Chicago State (4-6) at the Jacoby Dickens Center.

The Tigers are 1-1 so far on the pre-holiday road trip after defeating George Washington (52-45) and losing to Purdue (76-56). Today’s game is the last for Auburn until it returns home for a game against Alabama A&M on Dec. 28.

“It has been a good challenge to take the team on this trip,” said Auburn head coach Nell Fortner. “Anytime you get your players out of their comfort zone and force them to adjust and adapt to the situations they are put in, it can only help you. We have seen some good things on this trip and some not-so-good things, it has been a good learning experience for us.”

Along with traveling to Washington, D.C., Indianapolis and Chicago, the team has been able to enjoy some off-the-court events, such as a viewing of Chalres Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” Sunday night.

“This trip has also been good in that it gives our players an experience that they may not otherwise get,” said Fortner. “Being able to travel and see the cities that we have been to is a great experience for them.”

After struggling to start the season, Chicago State has rebounded to win three of its last five games, including a 72-67 win over Valparaiso in its last outing.

The Cougars top three players combine to average 67.1 percent of the team’s offense. Tressa Beckel leads the way with 18.2 points per game, followed by Courtney Waldon with 15.0 and Janay Dockery with 12.7.

“Chicago State will be another tough team for us on this trip,” said Fortner. “They have had a hard time, but seem to have found themselves in the last week or so. They are very athletic and have some explosive players, so they will definitely be a challenge.”

Senior Alli Smalley leads the team with 13.4 points per game, followed by Blanche Alverson with 10.1 per game. Smalley and Alverson have combined to average 3.8 3-pointers made per game.

Jordan Greenleaf pulls down a team-high 8.2 rebounds per game, along with her 8.1 points. Sophomore Morgan Toles averages 7.1 points and 4.6 assists per game while leading the SEC in assist-to-turnover ratio.

Auburn (4-6) vs. Chicago St. (4-6)
Where: Jacoby Dickens Center, Chicago

When: 1 p.m.

Radio/TV: WMXA (96.7 FM)/No TV

Projected starters, Auburn: G Morgan Toles, 5-9, So. (7.1 ppg, 4.6 apg); G Parrisha Simmons, 6-0, Jr. (3.1 ppg, 3.0 rpg); G Alli Smalley, 5-8, Sr. (13.4 rpg, 2.3 rpg); G/F Blanche Alverson, 6-3, So. (10.1 ppg, 3.1 rpg); F Jordan Greenleaf, 6-1, Sr. (8.1 ppg, 8.2 rpg)

Projected Starters, Chicago State: F Tressa Beckel, 6-0, Sr. (18.2 ppg, 8.5 rpg); G Natalie Marlowe, 5-10, Jr. (6.4 ppg, 4.4 rpg); G Janay Dockery, 5-9, Jr. (12.7 ppg, 4.3 rpg); F Courtney Waldon, 6-1, Sr. (15.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg); C Elana Wroten, 6-4, Sr. (5.5 ppg, 6.8 rpg)