In a highly anticipated matchup at the Southeastern Conference Tournament quarterfinals, No. 12 Auburn showcased their dominance with an 86-55 victory over 15th-ranked South Carolina. Led by Johni Broome's impressive performance of 18 points and 10 rebounds, the Tigers left no room for doubt in their superiority on the court.
Auburn, with a season record of 25-7, had previously routed South Carolina by 40 points in their regular-season encounter. The Tigers continued their commanding play, establishing a lead of as much as 32 points during the game.
Chaney Johnson and K.D. Johnson contributed significantly to Auburn's success, scoring 11 and 10 points, respectively. The team's strong offensive and defensive strategies were evident throughout the game, allowing them to maintain a comfortable lead.
Despite South Carolina's efforts to narrow the gap, Auburn's relentless performance kept them ahead, leading 46-26 at halftime. B.J. Mack led South Carolina with 14 points, while Zachary Davis added 10 points in a valiant effort.
Auburn's dominance was further highlighted by their shooting accuracy, with a 49.3% field goal percentage, while holding South Carolina to just 28.1%.
Key Takeaways
Auburn: The Tigers excelled in the paint, outscoring South Carolina 42-22, and capitalized on turnovers with a 17-2 advantage.
South Carolina: Despite the loss, South Carolina's coach, Lamont Paris, received a significant contract extension, signaling a positive outlook for the team's future.
Upcoming Match
Auburn is set to face ninth-seeded Mississippi State in the semifinals, following Mississippi State's impressive victory over regular-season champion Tennessee. The Tigers and Mississippi State split their season series, with Auburn securing a 78-63 win in their last encounter on March 2.
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