In a hard-fought battle, No. 2 Auburn survive vs South Carolina. The Tigers escape Columbia with a 66-63 victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks. The win marked Auburn’s eighth consecutive win, improving their season record to 15-1. The Tigers maintain their perfect 3-0 start in SEC play.
Top Performers for Auburn
In Broome’s absence, other Auburn players stepped up to secure the victory. Freshman guard Tahaad Pettiford led the Tigers with 15 points, demonstrating poise in critical moments. The assist to Dylan Cardwell gave the Tigers the final lead. Then, in the closing seconds, Pettiford was able to ice the game at the free throw line.
Dylan Cardwell, while scoring only six points, was a key factor in the victory. He had the with a go-ahead dunk at 1:32 remaining, giving Auburn a 64-63 lead. Also, his defensive efforts were crucial in the game’s closing stages before fouling out of the game.
Miles Kelly came up big for the Tigers, contributing 14 points. Kelly’s shooting and perimeter defense provided the Tigers with the necessary boost, especially after Broome’s departure. Kelly was a leading scorer for Georgia Tech before transferring to Auburn. The Tigers will look to him to step into a larger scoring role in the absence of Broome.
Impact of Collin Murray-Boyles and Nick Pringle
South Carolina’s effort was spearheaded by forward Collin Murray-Boyles, who delivered an impressive performance with a game-high 25 points. Murray-Boyles was particularly effective in the first half, contributing 18 points and helping the Gamecocks establish a lead. His scoring versatility posed challenges for Auburn’s defense throughout the contest.
Nick Pringle also made significant contributions for the Gamecocks, adding 12 points to the scoreboard. However, his performance at the free-throw line was less effective; Pringle missed two crucial free throws with 29 seconds remaining.
Johni Broome’s Injury and Its Potential Impact
Auburn’s victory was overshadowed by a concerning injury to star forward Johni Broome. Broome suffered a left ankle injury with 13:45 remaining in the second half while defending a shot under the rim. He exited the game after contributing six points on 3-of-11 shooting over 24 minutes. Post-game, head coach Bruce Pearl described the injury as a “significant sprain,” indicating that Broome would undergo further evaluation upon the team’s return to Auburn.
Broome’s absence would have substantial implications for Auburn’s season. Broome has been a cornerstone of Auburn’s success. Broome has been a focal point for Auburn, leading the team in Points, Rebounds, Assists, and Blocked Shots this season. The Tigers will have to revamp their offensive and defensive approach to make up for his absence.
Looking Ahead
Auburn’s resilience in securing the win despite Broome’s injury is commendable. However, the team’s prospects will heavily depend on Broome’s health moving forward. The upcoming medical evaluations will provide clarity on his availability for future games. In the interim, Auburn will rely on its depth and the continued development of players like Chaney Johnson and Jaheim Hudson to maintain their momentum in SEC play.
For a visual recap of the game’s highlights, check out this video from The War Rapport:
Related
