The Auburn Men's Basketball team announced its competitive 2009-10 schedule Monday.
The season opener, which will be the final season opener played in Beard-Eaves Coliseum, is Nov. 13 against Niagara University. Niagara won 26 games last season and only graduated one player.
Throughout the season, the Tigers will compete against 11 postseason tournament teams, including SEC Champion LSU twice, Jan. 20 and Feb. 27.
In addition to tournament teams LSU and Niagara, Auburn will play Kentucky, Mississippi State (twice), South Carolina, Niagara and Alabama State at home.
"We have a very demanding schedule this year with three ACC teams on it and a couple of good road games," said Head Coach Jeff Lebo in a statement. "We have a return game at Missouri State, and we will play in Huntsville. A couple of years ago, we wanted to play in different parts of the state so we have been to Birmingham, Montgomery and Mobile and now we are going to be up in Huntsville. That will be great for our Auburn fans in that area and in northern Alabama."
With play in both the SEC and NIT Tournaments last season, the Tigers' record was 24-12, tied for second with the most wins in a season in Auburn history.
Auburn could struggle with the loss of four seniors. Forward Korvotney Barber, guards Drew Smith, Rasheem Barrett and Quantez Robertson, were all valuable players and often starters.
Barber was named SEC Player of the Week, Coaches All-SEC Second Team, AP All-SEC Second Team and team MVP.
Barber finished his senior year with 1,150 career points, number 22 on Auburn's all-time scoring list. He holds the school record for single season rebounds with 347.
The Tigers return three starters from last season, senior forward Lucas Hargrove and senior guards DeWayne Reed and Tay Waller.
After the frustration of almost making it to the NIT Final Four, these seniors have a tough schedule ahead of them before they can make it back to tournament play.
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