AuburnTigers.com
AUBURN, Ala. - Jared Harper hit early, often and deep, making five 3-pointers and scoring 21 points, but it wasn't enough Tuesday in Auburn's 87-77 loss to Tennessee.
Fellow point guard Ronnie Johnson sparked Auburn in the second half, scoring 15 points in 15 minutes.
Leading by 16 at the half, the Volunteers (13-9, 5-4) quickly extended their lead to 22 on their way to a fourth straight win.
Danjel Purifoy hit a 3-pointer to cut the deficit to 13 near the 7-minute mark, but Tennessee answered 20 seconds later with a 3, then another with the shot clock expiring to quiet the crowd of 7,525.