Tennessee women vs. Auburn at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville
Time: 7 p.m.
Video/radio: SEC Network Plus/102.3 FM
Likely lineups (with heights and scoring averages in parentheses)
TENNESSEE (15-8, 4-6 Southeastern Conference)
Projected starters: F Rennia Davis (6-2, 14.7); F Cheridene Green (6-3, 8.3); G Zaay Green (6-0, 10.3); C Kasiyahna Kushkituah (6-4, 5.6); G Jazmine Massengill (6-0, 3.8).
Key reserves: F Mimi Collins (6-3, 4.7); G Meme Jackson (5-11, 11.7).
AUBURN (18-6, 6-5)
Projected starters: G Daisa Alexander (5-7, 12.0); G Erin Howard (6-1, 3.5); G Janiah McKay (5-6, 14.3); G Crystal Primm (5-11, 11.4); F Unique Thompson (6-3, 12.9).
Key reserves: G Robyn Benton (5-9, 6.5); G Brooke Moore (5-7, 5.9).
LADY VOLS REPORT
Tennessee's three-game winning streak came to a close in blowout fashion Sunday at Mississippi State. The Lady Volunteers trailed by four points midway through the third quarter but were outscored 40-16 over the final 14 minutes to lose 93-61 to the Bulldogs, who were ranked sixth at the time and moved up a spot in this week's polls. Tennessee played without Evina Westbrook, who was suspended for a violation of team rules. Davis has been the team's leader lately, averaging 22.3 points and 8.8 rebounds in her plast four games while shooting 55 percent from the field.
TIGERS REPORT
Auburn has found a way to stay in the hunt for an NCAA tournament bid by winning when it matters most, with all six of its losses to teams ranked in the Top 25 at the time of the matchup or currently. That includes a 78-69 loss to then-No. 10 Tennessee in the SEC opener for both on Jan. 3. Auburn has been led by a defense that forces an average of 21.2 turnovers a game, which ranks second in the SEC and 17th nationally.
KEY MATCHUP
Before Sunday, the last time the Lady Vols fell apart in a game (an 86-65 loss at Alabama on Jan. 17), they turned things around with a solid game against Arkansas that, albeit a last-second loss, was a far better performance. They need that sort of turnaround tonight against an opponent currently projected into the NCAA tournament field. A season sweep would seriously help Tennessee's chances of being a part of the field of 64. If Westbrook is available, having the team's leader in points and assists would seriously help, too.