Gamecocks’ frantic comeback attempt falls short in 71-67 loss at Auburn, USC drops third straight conference game (AUDIO)

**Elijah Strong is averaging 15 points/game in SEC play (Gamecock Athletics)**

Auburn 71-South Carolina 67 Game Summary

South Carolina (10-8, 1-4) made a spirited run over the final minutes in Auburn’s Neville Arena, making five consecutive shots, including a 27′ 3-pointer from Meechie Johnson, to cut the Tigers’ lead to two.
The Tigers did what they needed to do to wrap up the victory, however, making their final six free throws to hold off the Gamecocks.
Neither team shot it well from beyond the arc early as the two clubs combined to make just 3 of 23 shots from the 3-point line in the first half (USC 1-11, Auburn 2-12).
Auburn led by as many as eight in the first half before settling for a 30-24 lead at the break.
Elijah Strong (10 points) fed Meechie Johnson (17 points, six assists) for a 3-pointer to cap an 8-2 run early in the second half to trim the Tigers’ advantage to 34-32.
Auburn regrouped, however, scoring on its next seven possessions to regain control.
The Gamecocks’ comeback attempt was encumbered by some self-inflicted wounds, including four turnovers in a three-minute span in the second half as Auburn extended its lead to 60-49.
Despite entering the game last in the SEC in rebounding, USC more than held its own on the glass, grabbing 39 boards to Auburn’s 35.
With the game in the balance, South Carolina fouled the wrong guy down the stretch. Keyshawn Hall, an 86% free throw shooter, made four consecutive foul shots push it back to a two-possession game in the final minute.
After scoring just 24 points in the first half, USC heated up offensively, hitting 53% of its shots in the second half and scoring 43 points after intermission.
Freshman guard Eli Ellis wasn’t available as he is out indefinitely with an ankle injury.
South Carolina will return home to play host to Oklahoma at the Colonial Life Arena at 7 p.m. Tuesday.