AUBURN, Ala. – Freshman Sydney Shaw equaled her career high with 15 points to lead Auburn, but the Tigers fell to No. 1 South Carolina 83-48 Thursday at Neville Arena, the Gamecocks' 30th consecutive win.
"I told my team before the game I wanted to see them battle," Auburn coach Johnnie Harris said. "I thought they battled. If you're a competitor you want to be in this game. They're the No. 1 team in the country for a reason. I do think we grew up from the first time we played them."
Shaw's 3-pointer gave the home crowd an early jolt and kept Auburn within one point at 6-5 four minutes into the game before an 8-0 run gave South Carolina a 19-7 lead after the first quarter.
The Tigers doubled their point total in the second quarter, scoring 14 points while allowing 23.
Sania Wells accounted for a 5-0 Auburn run with a 3-pointer and another bucket.
When the Tigers' defense forced a shot-clock violation, the crowd roared and K.D. Johnson from the men's team flexed in celebration, a familiar sight at Neville Arena the past two seasons.
Shaw added 3-pointers in the second and third quarters, going 3-for-4 from behind the line.
"I'm happy that I was able to contribute to my team, but I'm more worried about the win," Shaw said.
The Gamecocks led 42-21 at the half, extending their advantage to 63-36 after three quarters.
Freshmen delivered highlight-reel plays in the third quarter thanks to Kaitlyn Duhon's steal and assist to Honesty Scott-Grayson, and Oyindamola Akinbolawa's smooth low post move.
"We played against All-Americans," Harris said. "At one point they had all seniors on the floor. That's a big difference. That showed them what hard work every summer will do. It should be motivation to get in and work hard and get better."
Mar'shaun Bostic scored 10 points in 11 minutes for the Tigers. Akinbolawa led Auburn with seven rebounds and Romi Levy added six.
"I thought she battled," Harris said of Akinbolawa. "She wasn't afraid. She's still learning the American basketball language. She is skilled and she's strong. With a postseason, a summer and a preseason I think you'll see a different kid next year. I'm excited about her growth."
Auburn played without leading scorer Aicha Coulibaly, who is recovering from Sunday's physical game against Arkansas.
The top-ranked Gamecocks capitalized on their size advantage, outrebounding Auburn 50-26 and outscoring the Tigers 52-22 in the paint.
Auburn (13-10, 3-8) travels to Tuscaloosa Sunday at 4 p.m. CT on SEC Network, looking to even the season series in the in-state rivalry.
"We have a very good Alabama team we play on Sunday," Harris said. "I want to make sure they're focused and ready to go in there and go to war with Alabama."
Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: @jeff_shearer
Shaw equals career-high; Tigers fall to No. 1 South Carolina
