Just as they have all season, somehow, Auburn found a way.

On a night in which the Tigers were a shell of themselves offensively, they used whatever means necessary to close out College of Charleston in a thrilling first-round battle.

In typical Auburn fashion, it was Jared Harper and Bryce Brown who delivered the daggers in the 62-58 victory on Friday night. Their late 3-pointers helped vault Auburn to the second round for the first time since 2003.

Mustapha Heron led the way for Auburn with 16 points while Brown and Harper were held to 10 and 6 points, respectively. Auburn survived thanks to 21 Charleston turnovers and some untimely missed late free throws in the final minute.

The Tigers’ win meant that the SEC tied the conference record with 6 first-round wins. That record can be broken if Mizzou can take care of Florida State.

Auburn will take on the winner of No. 5 Clemson vs. No. 12 New Mexico State, who will close out the Friday night slate in San Diego.