The outmanned Auburn Tigers took a 16-6 Georgia team in to over time at Stegeman Coliseum in Athens Saturday afternoon, only to lose in the end 81-72.
With the lone exception of the Tennessee game, the Tigers have become a dangerous team of late for SEC opponents. It's only been a week since Auburn defeated South Carolina at home 79 - 64.
Georgia led most of Saturday's game but the Tigers would not go away. Their gallant effort was led by Guard Earnest Ross who scored 30 points including five three pointers.
Ross said, "We know the reputation we have around the league and we go into these games as underdogs, so we play harder. All the pressure's on the opposing team. We just go out and play hard and give it our all." Playing hard is just what Coach Tony Barbee is asking of his young and depleted squad.
Yet if Auburn could have done better at the foul line, the out come may have been different. The Tigers made only 5 of 14 foul shots; and the misses on the front end of one-and-ones particularly hurt.
Although what probably hurt more was the absence of center Rob Chubb, who has recently emerged as an offensive threat for the Tigers. Chubb was suspended by Coach Barbee last week indefinitely for a violation of team rules. There has been no word on when or if Chubb may be allowed to return.
Chubb's suspension is just the latest setback to plague the Tigers - from non qualifiers to key injuries the team has had to deal with a lot of misfortune this year. But in true Auburn fashion they have shown the spirit of "never to yield." Coach Barbee said he was especially proud of the fighting spirit the Tigers displayed Saturday.
Auburn will now have a week off before hosting Mississippi State Saturday at the Auburn Arena. The game is scheduled to start at 6 pm CST and will be carried on Fox Sports Net.