The Auburn Tigers didn’t make it easy on themselves, but they got the job done.
Just days removed from a surprising road loss to Missouri, Auburn found itself in another tight spot-this time at home against a scrappy South Carolina squad. The Tigers ultimately held on for a 71-67 win inside Neville Arena, but it wasn’t exactly a confidence-restoring performance for a team trying to find its rhythm in SEC play.
At 11-7 overall and 2-3 in the conference, Auburn’s record tells the story of a team still searching for consistency. And Saturday’s game was another reminder of just how fine the margins can be when the shots aren’t falling.
Let’s start with the obvious: Auburn’s shooting from deep was ice cold. The Tigers went just 2-of-19 from three-point range-an 11% clip that made every long-range attempt feel like a coin flip (and a weighted one at that). South Carolina, meanwhile, wasn’t exactly lighting it up from beyond the arc, but their 8-of-25 showing (32%) gave them a much-needed edge and kept them in the game until the final horn.
Despite the shooting woes, Auburn managed to control most of the first half. They built and maintained a lead that hovered between five and seven points, never letting South Carolina seize full momentum.
The Gamecocks briefly held the lead early, but after the 17:24 mark of the first half, it was all Auburn-at least in terms of the scoreboard. South Carolina never led again, but they never went away either.
That’s what made the final minutes so tense. With just four seconds left, the Gamecocks had clawed back to within two points, turning what looked like a manageable win into a nail-biter. Auburn’s defense held firm, but it was far too close for comfort.
One bright spot-and a big one-for the Tigers was the breakout performance from freshman forward Filip Jovic. The 6-foot-8 rookie looked like a seasoned vet out there, pouring in a season-high 23 points on an ultra-efficient 9-of-12 shooting. He also added six rebounds, two steals, and a block, showing off the kind of all-around game that could make him a real difference-maker as the season progresses.
Auburn shot 41.1% from the field overall (23-of-56), which is respectable, especially considering the three-point struggles. At the free-throw line, they were solid-23-of-30 for 76.7%-and those points proved crucial in a game where every possession mattered.
This wasn’t a statement win. It wasn’t pretty.
But it was a necessary one. Auburn avoided a second straight upset loss and gave itself a chance to regroup heading into the heart of SEC play.
If the Tigers can find some consistency from the perimeter and continue to get production from emerging players like Jovic, they’ll be a tough out down the stretch.
But make no mistake: this team is still a work in progress.