NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Auburn's Jared Harper didn't attempt a single free throw in the first half. South Carolina couldn't keep him off the foul line the rest of the game.

Harper scored 19 of his 27 points after halftime as the 22nd-ranked Tigers pulled away down the stretch to beat South Carolina 73-64 in a Southeastern Conference Tournament quarterfinal Friday.

"In the postseason, I think these tournament games come down to guard play," said Harper, a 5-foot-11 junior. "I kind of put pressure on myself on being able to perform for my team. My team is going to go as I go. I'm a leader for this team, so if I want to win, I have to make game-winning plays and just lead my team."