No. 3 South Carolina women’s basketball hits the road Thursday night for a crucial SEC matchup against the Auburn Tigers, looking to extend their dominant 16-game winning streak in the series. Here’s everything you need to know about the game.
Game Information
Matchup: No. 3/3 South Carolina Gamecocks (20-2, 6-1 SEC) at Auburn Tigers
Date: Thursday, January 29, 2026
Time: 9:00 p.m. ET
Location: Auburn Arena, Auburn, Alabama
TV: SEC Network
Radio: Gamecock IMG Sports Network
How to Watch and Listen
Television Broadcast:
The game will be nationally televised on SEC Network with tipoff scheduled for 9:00 p.m. ET. SEC Network is available on most cable and satellite providers, as well as streaming platforms including ESPN+, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and fuboTV.
Radio Coverage:
Fans can tune in to the Gamecock IMG Sports Network for radio coverage. Local affiliates across South Carolina will carry the broadcast, 106.7 in Columbia, with veteran play-by-play announcer Brad Muller providing live commentary throughout the game.
Streaming Options:
Cord-cutters can access the game through the ESPN app with a valid cable login or through any streaming service that includes SEC Network in its channel lineup.
Broadcast Team
SEC Network will provide comprehensive coverage with their experienced broadcasting crew. Announcers will be announced closer to game time, featuring the network’s roster of talented play-by-play commentators and analysts who specialize in women’s basketball coverage.
Projected Starting Lineups
South Carolina Expected Starters:
Following the successful lineup adjustment against Vanderbilt, head coach Dawn Staley is expected to continue with her modified starting five:
- Guard: Raven Johnson (10.0 PPG, 6.0 APG, 1.5 SPG) – Naismith Defensive Player of the Year watch list member
- Guard: Ta’Niya Latson (15.7 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 5.0 APG) – Bounced back with 21 points vs. Vanderbilt
- Guard: Tessa Johnson (20.0 PPG vs. Vanderbilt, 46.6% 3PT) – SEC’s top three-point shooter
- Forward: Joyce Edwards (20.0 PPG, 6.2 RPG) – National Player of the Year candidate
- Guard: Agot Makeer (7.9 PPG in SEC play, 4.4 RPG) – McDonald’s All-American freshman
Key Reserve:
Madina Okot comes off the bench after Staley’s strategic adjustment paid dividends against Vanderbilt, where she scored 17 points on 8-of-9 shooting with 7 rebounds and 5 steals.
Auburn Expected Starters:
The Tigers will counter with their lineup under head coach Johnnie Harris, featuring players who will attempt to apply defensive pressure and push tempo to disrupt South Carolina’s offensive rhythm. Specific Auburn starters will be confirmed at game time.
Injury Report
South Carolina:
As of Thursday morning, the Gamecocks have no significant injury concerns. All key rotation players participated in shootaround and are expected to be available for the contest. The team is at full strength heading into this road test.
Auburn:
Auburn’s injury report will be updated closer to tipoff. No significant injuries have been reported that would affect the Tigers’ rotation for this matchup.
Game Context and Storylines
South Carolina’s Momentum:
The Gamecocks are riding high after their dominant 103-74 dismantling of then-undefeated No. 5 Vanderbilt on Sunday. That performance showcased South Carolina at its best—shooting 61.5% from the field (fourth-best against a ranked opponent in program history), forcing 20 turnovers, and getting balanced scoring with four players reaching double figures.
Series Dominance:
South Carolina enters with a commanding 16-game winning streak against Auburn, part of a 19-3 record against the Tigers in the Dawn Staley era. However, the Gamecocks are just 12-12 all-time in Auburn Arena, making road execution crucial.
Auburn’s Breakthrough:
The Tigers earned their first SEC win of the season with a victory over Alabama earlier this month, providing momentum and confidence. Under first-year coach Johnnie Harris, Auburn will look to leverage home-court advantage and an energetic crowd to challenge the Gamecocks.
Tactical Adjustments:
Watch for South Carolina’s continued use of smaller, quicker lineups that proved effective against Vanderbilt. The decision to bring Okot off the bench rather than starting her provided offensive spacing and defensive pressure that overwhelmed the Commodores.
Keys to the Game
For South Carolina:
- Protect the basketball against Auburn’s pressure defense (USC averages just 12.8 turnovers per game, 19th nationally)
- Maintain offensive efficiency on the road (USC shoots 51.1% from field, 4th nationally)
- Execute defensively with the intensity shown against Vanderbilt
- Handle the hostile road environment professionally
For Auburn:
- Force turnovers and create transition opportunities
- Slow down Joyce Edwards (20.0 PPG, 18th nationally)
- Contest South Carolina’s three-point shooters, particularly Tessa Johnson (46.6%, SEC-leading)
- Leverage home-court energy to remain competitive
What’s at Stake
For South Carolina, this game represents the first true road test since their loss to Oklahoma. A focused, professional performance would demonstrate the Gamecocks learned from that setback and are ready for a brutal February schedule featuring Texas A&M, Mississippi State, No. 15 Tennessee, and No. 6 LSU.
For Auburn, an upset victory over the No. 3 team in the country would be program-defining and provide massive momentum for the remainder of the season.
How to Follow
Fans unable to watch or listen can follow live stats and updates through:
- GamecocksOnline.com for live stats and play-by-play
- @GamecockWBB on Twitter/X for real-time updates
- ESPN.com’s gamecast feature for comprehensive statistics
Post-game coverage, including press conferences and player interviews, will be available on GamecocksOnline.com and the team’s social media channels shortly after the final buzzer.
With tipoff set for 9:00 p.m. ET on SEC Network, South Carolina looks to continue its dominance in the series while Auburn hopes to author a stunning upset on their home floor.
