Filip Jovic scored a career-high 23 points, leading Auburn to a 71-67 victory over South Carolina at Neville Arena. Jovic's standout performance included multiple key plays in the second half, including a pivotal steal and dunk that extended Auburn's lead. Coach Steven Pearl praised the team's defensive effort, noting that the win was driven largely by their strong showing on that end of the court despite shooting challenges from beyond the arc. Auburn improved its SEC record to 2-3 while overcoming two difficult stretches of play against South Carolina.

By the Numbers
  • Filip Jovic scored 23 points on 9-of-12 shooting and secured six rebounds.
  • Auburn made 23 of 30 free throws, including a perfect 6-of-6 in the final 31 seconds.
Yes, But

Auburn's inconsistent 3-point shooting was evident, as the team shot just 2-for-19 from beyond the arc during the game, highlighting a potential area for improvement moving forward.

State of Play
  • Auburn maintains its position in the SEC standings, improving to 11-7 overall.
  • Three of Auburn’s first five SEC games have been determined by four points or fewer.
What's Next

Auburn will travel for an upcoming matchup against Ole Miss and then face No. 19 Florida before returning home for a notable game against Texas on January 28.

Bottom Line

Auburn's defense was crucial in securing the win, showcasing the team's ability to grind out games despite offensive struggles. The ability to win close games will be vital as they continue their SEC schedule.