LSU at Auburn

Recap

The Big Storyline: Auburn bounced back from a subpar beam rotation with a 49.675 on floor to secure the win over visiting LSU. The dueling Tigers stayed within a couple of tenths of one another right through the final rotation, with the Auburn floor party snagging three 9.975s in a row to put the meet away in front of a packed Neville Arena. 

Implications: Auburn hangs onto its spot in the national rankings for now, though with NQS looming, will need to maintain this 197.5-plus pace if it hopes to stay in the top five. LSU moves into eighth nationally thanks to its season high total, all the more valuable for being an away score. 

Records: Despite scoring her second consecutive bars 10 and a 39.775 in the all-around, Lee was overshadowed by her former US national teammate Finnegan. It was a career performance for the sophomore, who earned her first perfect 10 on vault and a personal best 39.800 in the all-around. 

Controversies: LSU’s pre-meet introductions garnered an unexpected response from the sold-out Auburn crowd. Gym fans remained divided over whether this was an example of good-natured heckling or inappropriate behavior.

Preview

Current Rankings: No. 9 LSU at No. 5 Auburn

Why You Should Cancel Plans for It: Last year’s Battle of the Tigers saw home team LSU notch its 300th win in front of a sold-out PMAC. Auburn will have a chance to return the favor this Friday. Both teams set a season-high 197.700 last weekend, though the Auburn contingent lost to in-state rival Alabama while LSU defeated Jay Clark’s alma mater Georgia. 

What We’re Watching: Last week, sophomores Sunisa Lee and Aleah Finnegan each snagged 10s—Lee on bars and beam, Finnegan on floor—and junior Haleigh Bryant wasn’t too far behind with a 9.975 on vault. Lee, Bryant and Kiya Johnson all scored a 10 at last year’s match-up, so there’s a very good chance of at least one perfect mark being thrown this time around. 

What Else to Know Before Tuning in: Reigning SEC Gymnast of the Week Lee is the favorite for the all-around title, but don’t sleep on Bryant: She’s gone 39.7-plus in two of her last three competitions.