Brief thoughts and grades: No. 2 Auburn over South Carolina

Saturday's performance was arguably Auburn's worst performance of the season. That's likely a fair statement to make, even with Johni Broome being injured and absent the final 13-plus minutes. South Carolina had more rebounds, more second-chance points and more points in the paint. For much of the game, Auburn lost the physical battle. Auburn did step it up after Broome's departure, particularly the final five minutes, when the Tigers held South Carolina scoreless when it mattered the most. That stretch of basketball by Auburn displayed real mental and physical toughness. But, despite not scoring at least 74 points for the first time all season, despite only attempting 12 free throws (and only hitting six), despite giving up 40 first-half points, the Tigers found a way on the road to leave with a win. In the end, for now, that's all that matters. Thoughts, stats, grades and more inside.