Injured Dozier looking to return for No. 23 South Carolina

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) South Carolina coach Frank Martin injured guard PJ Dozier could return for the 23rd-ranked Gamecocks against Auburn on Tuesday night.

Dozier missed South Carolina's 85-69 loss at No. 4 Kentucky this past Saturday with back spasms. Martin said Monday that Dozier was past the pain and walking normally. The 6-foot-6 sophomore was expected to participate in practice Monday to get ready for Auburn.

The Gamecocks (15-4, 5-1 Southeastern Conference) face the Tigers (13-6, 3-4).

Martin said there was no structural damage and doctors have said they don't expect Dozier's back issues to be a re-occurring issue.

Dozier is second on the team with 14.6 points a game. He leads the Gamecocks with 52 assists and 35 steals this season.

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