No rest for Tigers at No. 2 Tennessee

Auburn didn’t have much time to celebrate last Saturday’s big win at Ole Miss.

Blame the Southeastern Conference schedule: The Tigers’ next SEC game is tonight at No. 2 Tennessee.

That doesn’t leave many opportunities for AU (13-10, 3-7 SEC) to rest on the laurels of its season sweep of Ole Miss.

Everything went right for the Tigers in that game: They hit a season-best 63 percent of their shots, scored a season-high 90 points and snapped a five-game SEC losing streak.

They’ll need a similar list of accomplishments to stand a chance against surging Tennessee (23-2, 10-1).

The Volunteers have won seven consecutive games, and their No. 2 ranking in the Associated Press poll is the highest in school history.

Thanks to a speedy and athletic three-guard lineup, UT leads the SEC in scoring, assists, steals and margin of victory.

“They can do it all,” Lebo said. “They’ve got four guys that are averaging double figures in conference play. They get you spread out with their ability to shoot the basketball.”

The inside-outside combination of senior guard Chris Lofton (15.5 points per game) and sophomore forward Tyler Smith (13.4 points per game) is the key to Tennessee’s outstanding season, according to Lebo.

Lofton, a second-team All-America selection last year, was a known commodity. But Smith, a transfer from Iowa, has been the Vols’ X-factor.

“He’s got a great feel for the game,” Lebo said. “He’s really been one of the missing pieces for them. He’s just been tremendous, and he does everything.”

Auburn, meanwhile, continues to rely on senior forward Quan Prowell and sophomore guard DeWayne Reed. Prowell scored 25 points at Ole Miss on Saturday; Reed added 23.

While AU overcame a short bench and a lack of a true post presence against the Rebels, it isn’t likely to be so easy at Tennessee. After all, not much has been easy for the Tigers this season, though Lebo says the hardships have helped his players grow.

“I’m proud of our kids,” the coach said. “They continue to battle and do some great things for us. It’s not easy for us. I feel for them in many ways.”

There’s another reason for sympathy: Tigers’ thin roster won’t be getting any deeper anytime soon.

Auburn forward Vot Barber has been cleared to participate in practice, but his recovery from a broken left hand is still ongoing. Barber, hasn’t played since Dec. 29. He won’t play against Tennessee; it’s still unclear whether he will play again this season.

“He’s still not ready yet,” Lebo said. “He hasn’t been enough in live contact yet.”

Today’s game begins at 6:30 p.m. will not be televised.

cmickle@oanow.com | 737-2561

Auburn at No. 2 Tennessee
Where: Thompson-Boling Arena, Knoxville, Tenn.
When: 6:30 p.m.
TV/Radio: 97.7 FM (No TV)
Records: Auburn 13-10 (3-7 SEC), Tennessee 23-2 (10-1 SEC)
Scouting Report: After a big win at Ole Miss, Auburn heads to Knoxville, Tenn., to face No. 2 Tennessee. The Volunteers have won seven consecutive games and are ranked sixth nationally in scoring offense at 83.7 points per game. UT is led by senior guard Chris Lofton’s 15.5 points per game.
Projected Starters, Tennessee: PG Ramar Smith, 6-2 So. (7.9 points, 3.3 assists per game); G Chris Lofton, 6-2 Sr. (15.5 points, 3.3 rebounds); G JaJuan Smith, 6-2 Sr. (14.4 points, 3.2 rebounds); F Tyler Smith, 6-7 So. (13.4 points, 6.2 rebounds); F Wayne Chism, 6-9 So. (9.2 points, 6.1 rebounds)
Projected Starters, Auburn: PG DeWayne Reed, 6-1 So. (9.9 points, 3.9 assists per game); G Quantez Robertson, 6-3 Jr. (7.7 points, 5.1 rebounds); G Rasheem Barrett, 6-5 Jr. (13.7 points, 4.2 rebounds); G Frank Tolbert, 6-4 Sr. (12.8 points, 5.2 rebounds); F Quan Prowell, 6-8 Sr. (14.3 points, 5.9 rebounds)