After his team’s dramatic 80-77 win against Ole Miss on Saturday, Auburn basketball coach Jeff Lebo let his players celebrate for a few minutes.
But by the time the Tigers left Beard-Eaves-Memorial Coliseum that evening, the celebration was long over.
That’s what Lebo wants: He needs his team to focus on the future rather than celebrate the past. The recent past has been good to Auburn (11-5) — the Tigers have won their last two games, both against Southeastern Conference opponents.
And it’s safe to say those two wins came against tougher competition than AU will face today against Presbyterian.
It’s an understatement to say the Blue Hose have struggled in their first season in Division I. Presbyterian is 2-20 this season and 0-20 on the road.
But Lebo’s message to his players is the same as always: Focus.
Sure, AU will be heavily favored against Presbyterian. But today’s game is more than an opportunity for a win.
It’s an opportunity to improve heading into the rest of the SEC schedule, which continues Saturday at Alabama.
“It will be tough for our maturity,” Lebo said. “I already talked to my team about Presbyterian. … We can’t take that one lightly. They are a very well coached team.
“I know they will be prepared, and hope we will be able to show some maturity and continue to build momentum against Presbyterian.”
For once, Lebo’s team will have a size advantage. Presbyterian has just one starter taller than 6-foot-4: Freshman center Al’lonzo Coleman, 6-foot-7.
Like Auburn, Presbyterian depends on quickness on defense and 3-point shooting on offense. The Blue Hose average 8.9 3-pointers a game; only 22 D-I teams make more.
“They spread you out, and they have perimeter players who can shoot it,” Lebo said.
Auburn, meanwhile, appears to have found its stroke from behind the arc. The Tigers have made 19-of-38 3-pointers during their two-game win streak.
Point guards DeWayne Reed and Quantez Robertson have led the way: Reed is 8-for-13 from 3-point range during the win streak; Robertson is 4-for-4, including a 3 Saturday against Ole Miss that gave Auburn the lead for good.
Today’s game begins at 7 p.m. and will not be televised.

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Presbyterian at Auburn
Where: Beard-Eaves-Memorial Coliseum
When: 7 p.m.
TV/Radio: 97.7 FM (No TV)
Records: Auburn 11-5; Presbyterian 2-20
Scouting Report: Auburn takes a brief break from Southeastern Conference play to host struggling Presbyterian today. The Tigers have won their last two games, both against SEC opponents. Presbyterian is in its first year as a Division I independent and is 0-20 on the road this season.
Projected Starters, Presbyterian: PG Ryan Lamb, 5-8 Sr. (3.9 points, 2.2 assists per game); SG Josh Johnson, 6-3 Fr. (5.7 points, 2.9 rebounds); SF Bryan Bostic, 6-3 Jr. (9.6 points, 4.4 rebounds); PF Travis Sligh, 6-4 Jr. (5.3 points, 3.5 rebounds); C Al’lonzo Coleman, 6-7 Fr. (11.0 points, 5.3 rebounds)
Projected Starters, Auburn: PG DeWayne Reed, 6-1 So. (9.4 points, 4.2 assists per game); G Quantez Robertson, 6-3 Jr. (7.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists); G Rasheem Barrett, 6-5 Jr. (13.2 points, 4.2 rebounds); G Frank Tolbert, 6-4 Sr. (12.1 points, 5.5 rebounds); F Quan Prowell, 6-8 Sr. (12.7 points, 6.3 rebounds)