Auburn Gets Defensive to Win, 55-54

Auburn took nearly twice as many shots as Florida State and committed a third as many turnovers.

Still, the seventh-ranked Tigers needed Doc Robinson’s free throw with 2.3 seconds to play Sunday to clinch a 55-54 victory at Auburn, Ala., their 20th in a row at home.

“Our defense really and truly dug down deep and won this basketball game,” said Auburn Coach Cliff Ellis, a Florida State graduate.

The defense had to, because the Tigers (4-1) made only 31% of their shots and missed six of eight free throws in the second half. Florida State (3-3) had 29 turnovers, 14 by point guard Delvon Arrington, and forced only 11.

No. 6 Kansas 97, Middle Tennessee 77--Despite one of his team’s best offensive performances of the season, Kansas Coach Roy Williams wasn’t satisfied.

Kenny Gregory made his first 10 shots and finished with 22 points as the Jayhawks (6-0) beat the Blue Raiders (2-2) at Murfreesboro, Tenn.

No. 16 Illinois 72, Seton Hall 61--The Illini (3-2) rebounded from a tough, 69-67 loss to No. 24 Maryland to beat the Pirates (3-2) in the consolation game of the BB&T; Classic at Washington.

Marcus Griffin was an inside force, making seven of 12 shots and scoring 16 points.

George Washington 74, No. 24 Maryland 69--The Colonials (4-3) won the Beltway bragging rights for another year by beating the Terrapins (6-2) in the championship game of the BB&T; Classic.

Freshman guard SirValiant Brown led the Colonials (4-3) with 27 points, including a key steal and three free throws in the final minute.