LSU women's basketball vs. Auburn in SEC Tournament: Score prediction, scouting report

GREENVILLE, S.C. — There may not be a more anticipated matchup during the SEC Tournament quarterfinals than LSU women's basketball versus Auburn.

LSU (26-4), the No. 2 seed, is coming off a double-bye and open up tournament play against Auburn (20-10) inside Bon Secours Wellness Arena on Friday night (6 p.m., SEC Network). No. 7 seed Auburn defeated No. 10 Arkansas in convincing fashion, 67-48, Thursday to set up the third matchup of the season with Kim Mulkey and LSU.

Here's what you need to know about the matchup.

LSU women's basketball, Auburn split first two games

The two games between LSU and Auburn during the regular season were as evenly matched as games could come. Auburn upset LSU at home back in January before LSU returned the favor in Baton Rouge a couple of weeks ago.

Oh, and the score between the teams through two games? An even 133 to 133.

In both contests, neither team could really get much of an offensive rhythm going. The team that finds an offensive rhythm stretch or two during the SEC Tournament quarterfinals will likely move on to the semifinals.

Hailey Van Lith, LSU guards must handle Auburn's on-ball pressure

LSU turned the ball over more in its second meeting with Auburn, coughing it up 23 times in that game than it did in the first game. Through two games, LSU has 38 turnovers against Auburn.

Led by JaMya Mingo-Young, Taylen Collins and Honesty Scott-Grayson, Auburn's defense has been tiresome for most of its opponents, but has especially been a bugaboo for LSU. Auburn has feasted inside against Aneesah Morrow, who has 10 turnovers in two games, while LSU's backcourt has had its fair share of struggles.

Mulkey has said that it's "hard to even pass" the ball against Auburn and how they pressure each position on the floor. Ball security is going to be paramount for LSU.

LSU women's basketball must slow down Honesty Scott-Grayson

Auburn senior guard Honesty Scott-Grayson nearly shot the lights out in Pete Maravich Assembly Center back on Feb. 22. Scott-Grayson dropped 28 points on LSU, going 5-of-8 from the 3-point line and finished the game 10-of-23 overall.

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In two games, Scott-Grayson has amassed 49 points on 19-of-46 shooting. She's shooting 41.3% from the field against LSU.

While Flau'jae Johnson has played really solid defense during most of SEC play for LSU, she's hasn't quite been able to slow down Auburn's top scorer. Expect Mulkey to mix up defensive looks on Scott-Grayson to try to slow her down.

LSU women's basketball score prediction vs. Auburn in SEC Tournament

LSU 63, Auburn 59: Another thriller between these two teams. Just like it did in Baton Rouge, LSU will make just enough plays, led by star Angel Reese in the paint, for LSU to survive and advance.

Cory Diaz covers the LSU Tigers and Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns for The Daily Advertiser as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his Tigers and Cajuns coverage on Twitter: @ByCoryDiaz. Got questions regarding LSU/UL athletics? Send them to Cory Diaz at bdiaz@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: LSU women's basketball-Auburn in SEC Tournament: Scouting report