SEC Showdown: No. 3 South Carolina vs. Auburn Preview
As the SEC women’s basketball season deepens into January, No. 3 South Carolina heads to Neville Arena to face the Auburn Tigers on Thursday, January 29, 2026 in a key conference matchup. South Carolina arrives among the national elite, while Auburn looks to climb the SEC ladder and build momentum against a perennial powerhouse.
Recent History Between These Teams
Historically, South Carolina has dominated this series. In the 2024–25 season, the Gamecocks recorded a convincing 83-66 win over Auburn at Colonial Life Arena, extending their SEC winning streak and home dominance in the rivalry. Freshman Joyce Edwards led with 18 points, with Chloe Kitts adding a double-double, as South Carolina maintained a firm edge over the Tigers. South Carolina’s win marked its 70th consecutive home victory and continued a long streak of success in this matchup. Auburn’s DeYona Gaston scored 31 in defeat but couldn’t prevent the Gamecocks from controlling the game. (University of South Carolina Athletics)
Current SEC & National Position
For the 2025–26 season, South Carolina is among the top teams nationally, carrying an impressive record and contesting for conference supremacy. As of late January, the Gamecocks held approximately a 20-2 overall record with a 6-1 SEC mark, reinforcing their ranking near the top of the AP Poll. (ESPN.com)
Auburn, meanwhile, sits lower in the standings but is more competitive than recent seasons. The Tigers are around 13-8 overall and 2-5 in SEC play, showing flashes against quality competition and looking to establish consistency. (Wikipedia)
Team Strengths & Current Form
South Carolina Gamecocks
South Carolina’s 2025–26 campaign has been defined by balanced scoring, stifling defense, and bench depth. The Gamecocks boast multiple double-digit scorers, including guards and wings capable of creating offense in various ways. Their system generates pressure and forces turnovers, converting defense into offense — a recipe that helped them dismantle top-5 opponents earlier this month. (Reuters)
South Carolina’s Advantages:
Offensive firepower: Four players capable of scoring 15+ points on any night
Defensive versatility: Ranks 26th nationally in scoring defense and third in field goal percentage defense
Depth and experience: Championship pedigree with players who’ve competed at the highest levels
Coaching: Dawn Staley’s ability to make critical adjustments, as demonstrated by the lineup changes against Vanderbilt
Rebounding prowess: Joyce Edwards (6.9 RPG in SEC play) and Madina Okot (double-double average) dominate the glass
The Gamecocks also lead the SEC in advanced metrics like scoring margin and bench contributions, illustrating the depth that Head Coach Dawn Staley has cultivated. This depth makes South Carolina dangerous even on nights when one star isn’t dominant. (Swish Appeal)
Auburn Tigers
Auburn’s 2025–26 season reflects transition and resilience. Under first-year coach Larry Vickers, the Tigers are forging a new identity, blending veterans and emerging talent. Auburn has secured notable wins and recently snapped Florida’s five-game win streak, showing ability to keep pace with quality foes. (Reuters)
Defensive pressure: Harris emphasizes aggressive, disruptive defensive schemes
Up-tempo style: The Tigers push pace and create transition opportunities
Home court advantage: Auburn Arena can provide an energetic atmosphere
Coaching acumen: Harris’ strategic mind poses unique challenges, as Staley herself has acknowledged
Statistically, Auburn’s offense features balanced scoring options, with guards and forwards capable of attacking off the bounce and hitting perimeter shots. Defensively, Auburn has shown competitiveness but lacks the consistent pressure and depth of elite SEC teams.
Players to Watch
South Carolina:
Ta’Niya Latson (21 PPG vs. Vanderbilt): Last season’s NCAA scoring leader bounced back from her Oklahoma struggles with an efficient 21-point performance
Joyce Edwards (16 PPG, 7 REB, 6 AST vs. Vanderbilt): Naismith Defensive Player of the Year watch list member providing all-around excellence
Raven Johnson: Elite defensive guard and floor leader whose pressure forces mistakes
Madina Okot: Coming off 17 points on 8-of-9 shooting in bench role; provides scoring punch in the post
Tessa Johnson: Sharpshooter who can stretch defenses with her three-point range (4-of-7 from three vs. Vanderbilt)
South Carolina’s rotation features several contributors who can change matchups, especially with its efficient bench production. (Swish Appeal)
Auburn
- Mya Petticord — One of Auburn’s primary scoring options, capable of big baskets.
- Harissoum Coulibaly — Brings rebounding and inside presence.
- Kaitlyn Duhon & Jaylah Lampley — Key perimeter and defensive contributors who can swing possession.
Auburn’s success will depend heavily on these players stepping up against elite competition. (ESPN.com)
Strengths & Lapses
South Carolina
Strengths:
- Depth and balance: Multiple scoring threats and strong bench impact.
- Defense: Leads to transition opportunities and limits opponent efficiency.
- Experience in big games: Proven performer in SEC and national contests.
Lapses:
- Occasional struggles against top-tier pressuring defenses can slow possessions.
- Turnovers have been a point of emphasis against underrated teams.
Auburn
Strengths:
- Balanced scoring: Multiple players contribute.
- Emerging defensive identity: Capable of forcing mistakes at key moments.
- Upset potential at home: A win would be historic for the program.
Lapses:
- Inconsistency: Auburn has had ups and downs in SEC play.
- Depth gap: Compared to top SEC teams, bench production can be a limiter.
Key Matchup Considerations
South Carolina’s Potential Pitfalls:
Road environment: First true road test since the Oklahoma loss; handling hostile atmosphere crucial
Turnover concerns: 20 turnovers against Oklahoma nearly cost them; careless possessions against Auburn’s pressure could spell trouble
Complacency: After dominating Vanderbilt, maintaining intensity against a perceived lesser opponent
Foul trouble: If Raven Johnson or other key players pick up early fouls, rotation depth gets tested
Auburn’s Challenges:
Talent disparity: South Carolina’s roster features multiple future WNBA players
Size disadvantage: Containing Edwards, Okot, and South Carolina’s interior presence
Offensive consistency: Generating efficient scoring against elite defense
Sustaining effort: Maintaining competitive intensity for 40 minutes against a deeper, more talented squad
SEC Tournament Outlook
With the SEC stacked this year (10 ranked teams), every conference game matters for seeding and momentum heading into March. South Carolina’s strength of schedule and national ranking position them for a high seed in the SEC Tournament and NCAA Tournament, while Auburn aims to build a résumé that could place them in the field or secure a better seed in the SEC bracket. (apnews.com)
Prediction Context
South Carolina enters this clash as the favorite given its elite status and depth, but Auburn’s home court and balanced approach could make this a competitive battle. What’s clear: this matchup is more than just an SEC game; it signals where each program stands as the season approaches the February homestretch.
