South Carolina Cruises Past Auburn, Reclaims Top Spot in SEC Race
AUBURN, Ala. - South Carolina didn’t just bounce back - they made a statement. The third-ranked Gamecocks rolled into Neville Arena and left no doubt, dismantling Auburn 81-51 on Jan. 29 to climb back into a tie for first place in the SEC standings.
Now sitting at 21-2 overall and 7-1 in conference play, South Carolina shares the top spot with Tennessee and Vanderbilt at the halfway point of the SEC schedule. With the Lady Vols falling to Mississippi State the same night and Vanderbilt set to face Ole Miss next, the conference race is heating up - and South Carolina holds a crucial tiebreaker over the Commodores. They’ll also get Tennessee at home on Feb. 8, a matchup that could carry major implications in the title chase.
But first, let’s talk about what went down in Auburn.
Early Domination, Then a Defensive Grind
The Gamecocks wasted no time asserting themselves. They opened the game on a 14-0 run and never looked back, jumping out to a commanding 25-10 lead after the first quarter. Their defense was locked in, and the offense flowed with confidence - the kind of start that sets the tone on the road, especially in a building where Auburn has made things tough on visiting teams this season.
The second quarter, though, was a different story. The game turned into a defensive slugfest, with both teams struggling to find rhythm.
South Carolina managed just 13 points in the frame - but Auburn couldn’t capitalize, shooting just 3-of-13 from the floor. It wasn’t pretty basketball, but it was effective.
Even in a cold stretch, the Gamecocks still won the quarter and took a 38-19 lead into halftime.
Edwards Leads the Charge, Despite Key Absences
South Carolina played the second half without two of its starters - Agot Makeer and Ta’Niya Latson. Makeer exited early after taking a hard fall on her hip in the first quarter and did not return.
She was seen with a heating pad on the bench, and head coach Dawn Staley later confirmed she was in pain and would be evaluated back in Columbia. Latson, meanwhile, appeared fine physically but didn’t play the second half due to illness, with Staley noting the team chose to be cautious.
Even without them, the Gamecocks didn’t miss a beat.
Freshman phenom Joyce Edwards continued her impressive campaign, leading all scorers with 20 points. Tessa Johnson added 13, and Maddy McDaniel chipped in nine points and five assists - showcasing the depth and versatility that’s become a hallmark of this South Carolina squad.
Auburn, now 13-9 overall and 2-6 in SEC play, has shown flashes of defensive grit under first-year head coach Larry Vickers, and that was evident again with 11 steals on the night. But the Tigers couldn’t generate enough offense to keep pace, particularly after that first-quarter blitz from the Gamecocks.
Looking Ahead
South Carolina’s next test comes on the road against Texas A&M on Feb. 2.
With health concerns looming for Makeer and Latson, the Gamecocks may need to lean even more on their bench and rising stars like Edwards. But if this team has proven anything, it’s that they can adapt - and dominate - no matter who’s on the floor.
With the SEC title race tightening and big matchups on the horizon, South Carolina looks poised, focused, and ready for the stretch run.