After a week off, the Auburn women’s basketball team returns to the hardwood today at 6 p.m. against Alabama A&M.

Tonight’s game will be the Tigers’ first since a 67-63 win over Chicago State on Dec. 21, and their first home game since Dec. 4, when they fell to Temple.

It’s also a tuneup for SEC play, which begins Sunday at Alabama.

“We had a good road trip and it was good for the team to get out of their comfort zone and learn some things about themselves,” said Auburn head coach Nell Fortner. “But, it is always good to get back home and sleep in your own bed and play in your own gym. The team had a little time off and, hopefully, they’ve come back re-charged and ready to take care of business.”

Auburn (5-6) will be Alabama A&M’s (4-5) third consecutive SEC opponent after dropping decisions to Kentucky (84-58) and at Alabama (67-62). The Bulldogs’ last win came prior to the Kentucky game in a 75-68 home win over Minnesota.

Whiquitta Tobar has led Alabama A&M through the season so far, averaging 18.1 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. The reigning SWAC Player of the Week also leads the team in assists (3.9) and steals (2.3) while accounting for nearly 40 percent of the team’s offense.

“Alabama A&M is a good team and will be a tough challenge for us as we get back to Auburn and re-group after the holidays,” said Fortner. “They have a very dynamic player in Whiquitta Tobar and have played a tough non-conference schedule. I think they will come in with a lot of confidence after beating Minnesota and playing Alabama very close.”

The Tigers have lived off their defense this season, averaging 9.1 steals and 3.7 blocks per game. Auburn opponents average 19.5 turnovers per game with the Tigers scoring an average of 19.7 points per game off of turnovers.

Senior Alli Smalley leads the team with 12.8 points per game, followed by Blanche Alverson with 10.4 per game. Smalley and Alverson have combined to average 3.5 3-pointers made per game.

Following the Alabama A&M game, Auburn will stay at home for a Thursday game against Jacksonville State — the Tigers’ last nonconference game.

“We are focused on Alabama A&M right now, but we all know this is part of a process and we are getting ready for bigger things,” said Fortner. “We have two more games to figure out some rotations and work some things out before we have to go on the road to Alabama.”

Tonight’s game is Youth Night with kids ages 12 and under receiving free admission with a paying adult.

Alabama A&M (4-5) at Auburn (5-6)
When: 6 p.m.

Where: Auburn Arena

Radio/TV: WMXA 96.7 FM/No TV

Projected Alabama A&M starters: G Brittany Strickland, Fr. (4.2 ppg, 2.8 rpg); G Nesfayia Watkins, Jr. (5.7 ppg, 3.2 rpg); G Whiquitta Tobar, Jr. (18.1 ppg, 6.1 rpg); F Shaurice Miller, Sr. (2.4 ppg, 2.9 rpg); F NaDra Robertson, So. (8.2 ppg, 4.1 rpg)

Projected Auburn starters: G Morgan Toles, So., (7.7 ppg, 4.8 apg); G Parrisha Simmons, Jr. (3.1 ppg, 3.5 rpg); G Alli Smalley, Sr. (12.8 ppg, 2.5 rpg); F Blanche Alverson, So. (10.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg); F Jordan Greenleaf, Sr. (7.8 ppg, 8.5 rpg)