For the penultimate area game of the season, Auburn High boys and girls basketball played Smiths Station on Tuesday night.
Senior Syriah Daniels scored 16 points to help the girls beat the Panthers 64-29 to start the night.
Tigers started well with 25 first-quarter points. After Daniels made her 2,000th career free throw, the game was paused.
Daniels reached her milestone on the night Auburn High basketball honored her mother, who died of cancer in June.
After a brief ceremony to honor Daniels, the Tigers stretched their lead to 25 points at halftime by adding 15 points. Second half, the Tigers slowed down with the score already out of reach.
Daniels had 16 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists. Both juniors Brooke Hallman and Daley Alsobrook scored 16. Hallman got four rebounds and three assists, Alsobrook four.
The guys won 79-36 after the girls did at Smiths Station. Daniels followed his older sister's lead Tuesday night. Daniels nailed his first four shots and scored 16 points in the first half.
Auburn had a 14-point halftime lead after shooting 60% from three. Head coach Chris Brandt claimed his team's fast start kept the audience engaged and the Panthers out.
Daniels scored 21 points, five rebounds, two steals, and an assist. Senior guards Bradley Pearson and Adam Gonia scored 14, assisted 9, and rebounded 4.
Auburn concludes area play Friday night against Opelika after traveling. The Tigers have defeated Opelika at home this season, but a win is vital.
If Auburn and Central-Phenix City win area play, a coin flip will determine the tournament host. If one loses and the other wins, area record determines the host.