PENSACOLA, Fla. — The University of West Florida Argos (17-11, 13-9 Gulf South) wrapped up their regular season in style, defeating Auburn University at Montgomery (3-25, 3-19 Gulf South) with a 78-71 victory at the AUM Athletics Complex. The Argos made the most of their opportunities, turning AUM's 28 turnovers into 29 points.

Amelia Bell was a force to be reckoned with, notching a double-double with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and two steals. Avery O'Connor matched Bell's scoring output with 20 points of her own, adding five assists and two steals. The Argos showcased their offensive depth with three players scoring in double figures. Isabel Grimes was a defensive standout with three steals and three assists, while Ebba Zalamans contributed three steals and four points.

The game kicked off with a flurry of action. AUM's Tamora Brown put the first points on the board with a layup at 9:41, but Amelia Bell quickly answered with a layup for the Argos, assisted by O'Connor. The Argos took a slight lead when O'Connor sank a three-pointer at 7:01, making it 7-2. AUM fought back, capitalizing on turnovers and fast breaks, with Andie Flatgard's jumper at 4:44 giving the Warhawks a 10-7 lead. Despite Bell's late layup at 1:36, AUM ended the first quarter ahead, 14-13, thanks to Brown's fastbreak layup with 37 seconds left.

The second quarter was a tight battle, with both teams exchanging the lead. Maddy Rendall kicked things off for the Argos with a jumper, assisted by Zalamans. Jakeria Hawkins added to the momentum with a jumper at 9:22, set up by Grimes. The Warhawks' Samya Brooks and Ameyah Gray kept it close with free throws and a layup. O'Connor's 3-pointer at 6:23, assisted by Annarose Tyre, briefly put the Argos ahead, but Flatgard's 3-pointer at 4:29 swung the lead back to AUM. Bell's layup, assisted by O'Connor, cut the deficit to 36-34, but AUM held a narrow lead at halftime.

In the third quarter, the Argos took charge, outscoring the Warhawks 20-15. Bell's fastbreak layup at 7:26 tied the game at 38, and two free throws from Finley Kennedy gave the Argos a brief lead. With the game tied at 46, Zalamans' layup at 3:24 put the Argos back on top. O'Connor's layup with 42 seconds left extended their lead to 54-51, and a defensive rebound from Grimes helped the Argos maintain control heading into the final quarter.

The fourth quarter saw Janai Jordan step up big for the Argos, draining a 3-pointer at 9:12 and a critical tip-in at 8:06, stretching the lead over the Warhawks. Despite a fierce comeback attempt by AUM, including Flatgard's 3-pointer at 4:34 and Jaden Toney's late jumper at 1:44, the Argos held firm. O'Connor's free throws at 6:08 solidified their advantage. In the closing moments, the Argos' efficiency in converting turnovers and free throws secured their 78-71 win.

Up next, the Argos are set as the 7th seed for the Gulf South Conference Quarterfinals, facing Union in Jackson Tennessee on Monday, March 2.