GAME NOTES: Winners of five in a row, the Auburn Tigers try to keep their home record unblemished this afternoon as they entertain the Xavier Musketeers in non-conference action at Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum. Auburn's current run has come against some questionable competition, nevertheless it has won nine of 10 since opening the 2007-08 campaign with a double-digit loss to Tulane. Most recently the squad defeated Texas A&M-Corpus Christi on Wednesday night with a 76-58 triumph. The only other loss this season for the Tigers came against West Virginia just over a month ago during the SEC/Big East Invitational in Birmingham. Meanwhile, the Musketeers completely dominated Virginia on Thursday night with a 108-70 decision at home. The win was the third in a row for the team and marked the first time in more than a decade that Xavier has posted back-to-back games of more than 100 points. Ironically, the first win of this current streak was against Delaware State and the Musketeers managed only 65 points versus the Hornets. With respect to the all-time series between these two schools on the hardwood, Auburn holds a 3-2 advantage. The squads haven't met since the 1972-73 campaign when Xavier picked up a 67-60 victory at home.

Putting up their highest point total since a 108-57 thrashing of Long Island back in 2001-02, the Musketeers left no doubt on Thursday night when they tied a school record with 16 three-point baskets. Of the team's 37 baskets, 27 were accompanied with assists, marking a season high for the Musketeers. Seven different players scored in double figures, beginning with Stanley Burrell with 15 points and five assists. Drew Lavender chipped in with 13 points and eight dishes without a turnover, B.J. Raymond and C.J. Anderson contributed 12 points apiece, Charles Bronson and Josh Duncan had 11 points each and Jason Love another 10. As one of the most balanced scoring attacks in the nation that is currently generating 81.1 ppg, there are six players hitting for double figures for Xavier, led by Lavender and his 12.6 ppg. Lavender is not only the leading passer as well with 71 assists over 14 games, he's almost automatic at the free-throw line where he's converted 39-of-42 chances. Derrick Brown (11.6 ppg) is shooting a lofty 64 percent from the floor and is the leading rebounder with close to seven boards per game, which helps give the squad a rebounding advantage over the competition of nearly eight per game.

Before going on a 23-6 run in the second half, the Tigers were locked in a tight game with Texas A&M-Corpus Christi earlier this week at home. Quan Prowell was one of four starters to score in double figures for Auburn as he dropped in 20 points on 9-of-13 shooting from the field. Prowell added six rebounds and six steals as well. Frank Tolbert and DeWayne Reed both chipped in 15 points and they too cleared six rebounds each, while Rasheem Barrett accounted for 14 points and eight boards. In addition to holding the Islanders to just 7-of-20 shooting behind the three-point line, the Tigers also forced 26 turnovers. Prowell, who has played in only six of the team's 11 games and has started just twice, leads the program with his 15.2 ppg on 42.9 percent shooting from the field. Barrett adds 14.3 ppg, 5.0 rpg, and 3.0 apg, is followed by Frank Tolbert with 10.0 ppg. Korvotney Barber (13.8 ppg), who was leading the nation in shooting at 72 percent, has been lost to a broken hand.

Outscoring opponents by almost 20 ppg, Xavier is a force to be reckoned with that has so many threats most opponents will have trouble slowing the group down.