If you’re wondering who does auburn play this weekend, you better get your orange and blue ready because the South Carolina Gamecocks are heading to The Plains. This isn't just another January game. It’s a Saturday night showdown at Neville Arena, and if you’ve ever been inside "The Jungle" when a conference rival rolls in, you know exactly how loud it’s about to get.
The game is set for Saturday, January 17, 2026, with tip-off scheduled for 5:00 PM CT.
Honestly, the energy around Auburn basketball right now is kind of wild. We’re deep into the SEC slate, and every single home game feels like a must-win if the Tigers want to keep their standing in the conference. South Carolina always plays tough, gritty basketball, so don't expect them to just roll over because they're on the road.
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Breaking Down the Auburn vs. South Carolina Matchup
When people ask who does auburn play this weekend, they're usually looking for the basketball schedule, but there's a lot of context here. Auburn is coming off a road trip to Missouri earlier in the week. Coming back home to Neville Arena is basically like getting a shot of adrenaline for this roster.
The Gamecocks, led by Lamont Paris, have built a reputation for slowing the game down. They want to turn this into a rock fight. They use most of the shot clock, they crash the glass, and they try to frustrate teams that like to run—like Auburn.
On the flip side, the Tigers want to go. Bruce Pearl’s system relies on defensive pressure creating fast-break opportunities. If Auburn can get the crowd involved early with a few transition dunks or some big blocks, South Carolina might find themselves in a hole they can't climb out of.
Key Details for Saturday
- Opponent: South Carolina Gamecocks
- Location: Neville Arena, Auburn, AL
- Time: 5:00 PM CT (6:00 PM ET)
- TV/Streaming: Likely SEC Network or ESPN2 (Check your local listings as we get closer)
Why This Game Matters for the SEC Standings
The SEC is a gauntlet this year. Seriously. You’ve got Texas and Oklahoma in the mix now, making the schedule even more crowded with talent. A home loss to a team like South Carolina can be devastating for tournament seeding later in March.
Auburn has been dominant at home over the last few seasons. It’s become one of the hardest places to play in all of college basketball. The students—The Jungle—are right on top of the court. It’s intimate, it’s sweaty, and it’s incredibly loud. South Carolina will have to handle that noise to have any chance.
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What to Watch For
- The Turnover Battle: Auburn thrives when they force 15+ turnovers. If South Carolina takes care of the ball, they can stay in the game.
- Three-Point Shooting: Neville Arena usually gives the Tigers a shooting boost. If the guards are hitting from deep, it’s over.
- Bench Depth: Pearl loves to use his whole bench. Expect 10 or 11 guys to see minutes.
Ticket Prices and Availability
If you’re trying to go to the game and don't already have tickets, I hope your wallet is ready. Because Neville Arena is relatively small compared to other SEC venues, tickets are always at a premium.
Resale prices on sites like Ticketmaster and Gametime are currently hovering around $200 for upper-level standing room and can go well over $1,000 for courtside seats. It’s pricey, but for a Saturday night SEC game, that’s just the market right now. People love their Tigers.
What Happened to Auburn Football?
Some fans asking who does auburn play this weekend might still be thinking about football. Usually, mid-January is when the National Championship or big bowl games happen.
However, Auburn is not playing football this weekend. The team finished the 2025 season with a 5-7 record. While they were technically eligible for a bowl game due to high Academic Progress Rate (APR) scores, the program officially declined a bowl invite back in December.
This was a strategic move. With Alex Golesh taking over as the new head coach, the program decided it was better to focus on recruiting, staff building, and the transfer portal rather than practicing for a lower-tier bowl game. It’s a bit of a "reset" year. While it’s disappointing for fans who wanted one last tailgate, it’s probably the right call for the long-term health of the program.
Other Auburn Sports This Weekend
While the men’s basketball game is the "main event" for many, the university’s athletic calendar is actually pretty busy.
The Auburn Gymnastics team is also in action recently, though they are away this weekend. They actually have a big meet against Arkansas on Sunday, January 18, over in Fayetteville. If you’re a fan of "Suni-style" excellence, you’ll want to tune into that one on the SEC Network.
Also, if you're following Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM), their women's basketball team is playing Valdosta State on Saturday at 1:00 PM. It’s a full weekend of Tigers sports across the board.
Preparing for Gameday in Auburn
If you're actually heading to the Plains, keep a few things in mind. Parking around the arena is always a headache. The lots right next to Neville are usually reserved for donors, so you might end up parking near the stadium and walking over.
Tiger Walk isn't a thing for basketball in the same way it is for football, but the atmosphere outside the arena before tip-off is still great. Most fans hit up Toomer’s Corner for a lemonade before walking down toward the athletic complex.
Actionable Advice for Fans
- Arrive Early: If you have general admission or student tickets, you need to be in line hours before tip-off.
- Check the App: Download the Auburn Tigers app for digital ticket entry. They don't really do paper tickets anymore.
- Wear Orange: The "orange out" or "white out" themes are usually announced a few days prior, but you can never go wrong with a classic orange jersey.
- Stay for the Alma Mater: Win or lose, the players usually stay on the court to sing with the fans.
The bottom line is that while football season is in the rearview mirror, Auburn basketball is in full swing. The matchup against South Carolina this Saturday is a perfect chance to see one of the best home-court advantages in the country.
To stay updated on any last-minute time changes or TV announcements, keep an eye on the official Auburn Athletics website. They usually finalize the broadcast details about 48 hours before the jump ball. If you can't make it to the arena, find a good sports bar, grab some wings, and enjoy the chaos of SEC basketball. It’s going to be a fun one.