The Auburn men's basketball team's fast start was negated by a second-half slump in a 81-55 loss at No. 9 Tennessee on Thursday.

The Tigers (9-8, 0-2 SEC), who led by as many as 12 early on, were outscored 59-21 in the final 26 minutes.

The Vols (12-3, 1-0), playing without four scholarship players that were arrested on gun and drug charges earlier this month, got a balanced effort from their four remaining starters. J.P. Prince and Bobby Maze both scored 14 points. Wayne Chism had 12 and Scotty Hopson added 11.

The Tigers shot a season-high 35 3-pointers. They made 11, although 10 of those came in the first half.

DeWayne Reed scored a team-high 19 points. Frankie Sullivan added 14 and Lucas Hargrove 10.

Auburn plays again Saturday against unbeaten No. 2 Kentucky at home. Tip-off is 4 p.m. ET.