ROCKFORD — After its top scorer, Terry Ford, transferred to Jefferson, Auburn wasn't seen as a NIC-10 title favorite.
But after knocking off Jefferson 50-46 at Saturday's Rumble in the Rock, the Knights (14-9, 9-2) are tied with Jefferson for second place, a half-game behind Boylan.
"We believe a team is stronger than any one player and we have a great coach," Auburn senior guard Yahmir Muhammad said of his coach Brian Ott. "Our defense keeps us in every game."
Indeed, Auburn's defense stifled Jefferson for nearly 10 minutes from the end of the first quarter as the Knights built a 30-19 lead. Jefferson stormed back with a 12-2 run to end the third quarter. The fourth featured four lead changes and three tied scores.
Muhammad made two free throws to give Auburn a 49-46 lead with 17 seconds left. Auburn kept Jefferson's top scorers from getting open in the final seconds, leaving Quay Robinson to take the final shot. Robinson's 3-pointer looked good but rattled out for Jefferson (19-5, 9-2).
RVC officials estimated attendance at 2,000 for the day's games.