NASHVILLE, Tenn. - In a stunning display of dominance, 12th-ranked Auburn overwhelmed 15th-ranked South Carolina with an impressive 86-55 victory during the quarterfinals of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Tournament on Friday.

Led by Johni Broome's outstanding performance of 18 points and 10 rebounds, Auburn proved once again why they were a force to be reckoned with on the court. This victory comes after Auburn's 40-point win against South Carolina during the regular season, reaffirming their superiority over their opponents.

The Tigers established their presence early on in the game, gaining a substantial lead of 32 points at one stage. Chaney Johnson and K.D. Johnson contributed 11 and 10 points respectively, contributing significantly to Auburn's offensive game.

Auburn's formidable defense was equally as impressive as their offense, stifling South Carolina throughout the match. B.J. Mack was the leading scorer for South Carolina, managing 14 points, with Zachary Davis adding 10 points to the team's tally. However, they were unable to match Auburn's prowess.

Auburn's shooting accuracy proved instrumental in their victory, as they registered a 49.3% field goal percentage, while limiting South Carolina to a mere 28.1%. The Tigers dominated the paint, outscoring their opponents 42-22, and capitalized on turnovers, garnering a significant 17-2 edge in points off turnovers.

This victory propels Auburn into the semifinal round of the SEC Tournament, where they will face the ninth-seeded Mississippi State team on Saturday. Mississippi State secured their spot in the semifinals by defeating regular-season champions, Tennessee, in a stunning upset with a final score of 73-56.

Auburn and Mississippi State split the season series, each claiming victory on their respective home courts. When the teams last met on March 2, Auburn emerged triumphant with a decisive 78-63 win. Saturday's clash promises to be an intense battle between two formidable SEC teams vying for a spot in the conference championship.

South Carolina, despite the loss, can still look forward to the upcoming NCAA Tournament, as head coach Lamont Paris secured a significant six-year contract extension worth $26 million earlier in the day. The extension further solidifies Paris' position and allows him to prepare his team for the upcoming tournament.

Auburn's dominant performance against South Carolina sends a strong message to the rest of the SEC, making them a frontrunner and further cementing their position as a team to watch in the postseason. As the SEC Tournament progresses, the Tigers will undoubtedly be looking to continue their winning streak and secure the coveted conference title.