Auburn basketball scouting report: What to know about South Carolina
Auburn basketball sits at the top of SEC standings as one of five teams still undefeated in conference play.
Sitting at 14-1 overall and 2-0 in SEC play, Auburn can jump the current No. 1 Tennesse who is also 14-1 overall, 1-1 in SEC. The Volunteers fell to Florida Tuesday night.
With a lot at stake this weekend, Here’s a closer look at South Carolina:
The season so far
South Carolina enters this game with a 10-5 record, dropping two conference games to Alabama and Mississippi State.
Their best victory this season comes in the ACC/SEC challenge defeating the then No. 25 Clemson 91-88. The Gamecocks non-conference losses were against North Florida, Indiana and Xavier.
South Carolina is currently unranked and sits 77th in KenPom’s efficiency rankings.
Players to watch
Collin Murray-Boyles has led the charge for the Gamecocks nearly averaging a double-double. His 15.1 points and 9.3 rebounds are a team-high in both categories.
University of Alabama transfer Nick Pringle is averaging 10.6 points and 6.4 rebounds since arriving to Columbia.
Guard Jamarii Thomas averages 12.3 points and 3.2 rebounds. He leads the team with 3.3 assists and 1.4 steals.
Key to the game
Stay aggressive on defense
The Tigers rank as the nations’ best offense and the 12th-best defense. In its first two conference games, Auburn has shut down the opposing team’s best player.
South Carolina averages 36.3 rebounds per game and Auburn has not been the best on the glass this season. Shutting down South Carolina’s frontcourt will create more opportunities for fastbreak points for Auburn.
Auburn and South Carolina will meet on Saturday, Jan. 11. Tipoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. on the SEC Network.