The Auburn women’s basketball team is gearing up for an exciting challenge as they host the No. 3 South Carolina Gamecocks on Thursday night at Neville Arena. The matchup, which is set to tip off at 8 p.m. CT, will be the fourth consecutive game for the Tigers against a top-25 opponent. Door will open at 7 p.m., and fans attending are encouraged to wear their favorite sports jerseys for Jersey Night, with a chance to win a Nike basketball jersey.
Currently sitting at a record of 13-8 and 2-5 in SEC play, the Tigers have faced a daunting schedule, playing against ranked teams such as No. 21 Alabama, No. 5 Vanderbilt, and No. 16 Oklahoma in their last three outings. Auburn will also be looking forward to their next game against No. 17 Ole Miss on Monday night, which was rescheduled due to winter weather impacts in north Mississippi.
The Gamecocks boast a strong record of 20-2 and 6-1 in SEC matches. After recently suffering their first defeat in conference play to Oklahoma, South Carolina rebounded impressively, defeating No. 5 Vanderbilt 103-74. The Gamecocks feature an explosive offense, leading the nation in scoring with an average of 89.0 points per game, ranking fourth nationally in field goal percentage and also showing strength in defense and rebounding.
The historical context of the rivalry reflects challenges for Auburn, as they have not secured a win against South Carolina since 2013, with the Gamecocks having won the last 16 meetings. In their most recent encounter on February 2, 2023, Auburn lost to South Carolina 83-66 despite notable performances, including a 30-plus point outing from DeYona Gaston.
Key players for Auburn include freshman Harissoum Coulibaly, who leads the team in scoring, and seasoned players like Kaitlyn Duhon and A’riel Jackson, who have both been instrumental in the Tigers’ recent games. Following a close contest against Oklahoma, where Auburn came back from a 10-point deficit, the team is looking to build momentum and capture their second top-25 victory this season.
Tickets for the game can be purchased in advance at AUBTix.com or through the Auburn Athletics app, or at the arena ticket office on gameday. Fans can tune into the game via radio on ESPN 106.7 FM or watch live on SEC Network with commentary from Sam Gore and Carolyn Peck.
Auburn’s successful defensive strategy has kept opponents consistently scoring below their averages, a promising trend as they face another high-powered team. As they approach this significant clash, the Tigers remain hopeful that a spirited home crowd and their tenacity on the court will lead to a much-desired victory.