Tampa subregional

Auburn

LOCATION: Auburn, Ala.

ENROLLMENT: 22,000.

CONFERENCE: SEC.

TOURNAMENT BID: At-large

EAST REGION SEED: No. 10.

STRENGTHS: The Tigers have, arguably, the best player in the SEC in senior Marquis Daniels, an Orlando native who averaged 18 points and 6.1 rebounds. Adding to one of the league's most athletic frontcourts is sophomore forward Marco Killingsworth, who led the SEC in field-goal percentage (57 percent). Center Kyle Davis, at 6 feet 10, is a defensive presence in the middle and 10th in the nation in shot blocking. And although backcourt mates Derrick Bird and Lewis Monroe are not prolific scorers, they play tenacious man-to-man defense. Brandon Robinson, a 6-8 forward, provides depth in the backcourt off the bench. Coach Cliff Ellis, despite having to defend his team's at-large bid, won 20 games.

WEAKNESSES: The Tigers are fortunate they play in a strong conference because their preconference slate was not up to Division I standards. Auburn, which went winless on the road in the SEC last season, fattened its record on relative cream puffs such as Wofford, Georgia State, Denver and North Texas. No wonder many were surprised to see the Tigers receive an at-large bid. The invitation seemed to hinge on their SEC tournament quarterfinal game against Tennessee, and that's exactly how it played out. The Tigers won and got to the Big Dance. The Vols lost and did not receive an invitation. Offensively, the Tigers rely too much on Daniels and Killingsworth. "Everybody was very excited" when the brackets were announced, senior Marquis Daniels said. "We were very happy because we knew we were on the bubble, and we felt like we had a great season."

WHAT TO EXPECT: Look for Ellis to use the barbs being tossed at Auburn's invitation to the NCAA Tournament to inspire his team. Auburn was picked to finish last in the SEC West but instead was in title contention until losing to Mississippi State in the regular-season finale. The Tigers won their first four league games, matching their total from last season. The Tigers don't have much experience in the postseason, but they could muster a first-round victory against St. Joseph's. But the lack of consistent outside shooting and some sloppy ball-handling (Auburn had nearly 70 more turnovers than assists.) could prevent the Tigers from advancing past the second round.

HE SAID IT: "Their preconference schedule was a joke. They're schedule was cupcake city." -- ESPN's Dick Vitale.

-- Compiled by Rick Stroud.

The starters and coach

Marquis Daniels

FORWARD, 6-6 SENIOR

18.0 ppg, 6.1 rpg

The Tigers' leading scorer is the third SEC player with 1,400 points, 550 rebounds, 250 assists and 190 steals.

Marco Killingsworth

FORWARD, 6-7 SOPHOMORE

13.9 ppg, 6.5 rpg

The Tigers' second option on offense, he led the SEC in field-goal percentage at 57 percent and had four double doubles.

Kyle Davis

CENTER, 6-10 JUNIOR

6.7 ppg, 6.0 rpg

His 272 blocked shots is an Auburn career record. He led the SEC and was sixth nationally with 3.8 per game.

Derrick Bird

GUARD, 6-4 SENIOR

9.8 ppg, 3.0 rpg

He is the Tigers' best defender who routinely guards the opponent's best player. He shot 38 percent on 3-pointers.

Lewis Monroe

GUARD, 6-5 SOPHOMORE

6.0 ppg, 2.4 rpg

The point guard leads the team in assists and was 10th in the SEC. Not a major scoring contributor but a solid player.

Coach: Cliff Ellis

RECORD: 91-63, fifth season at Auburn; 506-306, 27 seasons.

Ellis averaged 20 wins in his first seven seasons at Auburn. He is the all-time winningest coach at Clemson and South Alabama.

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