Two days after ending a 16-game conference losing streak, Auburn started its first SEC winning streak in over a year with a 74-67 victory over the Georgia Bulldogs.
The Tigers (10-9, 2-6 SEC) led for all but the first minute of the game and spread the scoring load, with all five starters reaching double digit points in the victory.
It was the first time since Feb. 20, 2010 that all five Auburn starters reached double digit points in a SEC game.
"I mean that's what you ask for," Auburn head coach Tony Barbee said. "We had five guys in double figures so that was big."
Guards Chris Denson and KT Harrell again led Auburn in scoring, with the duo scoring 18 and 16 points respectively.
Auburn held a double-digit lead for much of the second half, but the Bulldogs (10-10, 4-4 SEC) were able to cut the lead down to three behind the shooting of J.J. Frazier and leading scorer Charles Mann.
"Adversity hit late, you know they started making a run," Denson said. "I think a couple of games ago we'd have just let that lead fall, but we have a different mindset now about finishing games and we finished that game tonight."
With the Bulldogs cutting into the lead, Auburn shot 9-of-11 from the free throw line in the final five minutes to fend off the late Georgia run.
"I practice on them every day," Denson, who was 7-of-8 from the free throw line against Georgia, said. "I get so mad when I miss them now because I work on them day-in and day-out. I'm at the free throw line all game it feels like."
Seniors Asauhn Dixon-Tatum and Allen Payne both contributed 10 points and combined to bring in 15 total rebounds.
After the game, Barbee had nothing but praise for the play of Payne and Dixon-Tatum.
"Asauhn had a great game, not just a good game," Barbee said. "He had a huge presence out there because he wasn't overthinking it and he just went out and played. Allen Payne had some big moments today. He had lay-ins, the big and-one and then he stepped up and made his free throws."
The victory was especially sweet for Georgia natives Denson and Tahj Shamsid-Deen, who said they felt overlooked by the Bulldogs when they were being recruited.
"It's always good to beat Georgia, a hometown team, especially when they've overlooked you," Denson said. "They overlooked both me and Tahj so it's a great feeling beating them."
Shamsid-Deen shook off a minor ankle injury to contribute 12 points, including two 3-pointers, and four assists.
"I mean, is he even a freshman?" Barbee jokingly said about Shamsid-Deen. "He's wise beyond his years, but I knew that when we were recruiting him."
The Tigers return to action Feb. 5 when they'll travel to Columbia, S.C. to take on the South Caroline Gamecocks (8-13, 1-7 SEC). Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
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