Auburn hosts LSU tonight in the second-to-last game at Beard-Eaves-Memorial Coliseum. Here's how my story in today's newspaper starts:

AUBURN, Ala. — In a season filled with defensive shortcomings, one type of player has been especially bothersome for Auburn defenders: the rangy forward capable of playing inside and out.

It’s a particular concern, considering perhaps the best of the bunch will visit the Plains tonight.

Tasmin Mitchell, the SEC’s third-leading scorer and rebounder, leads LSU into Beard-Eaves-Memorial Coliseum against Auburn (13-15, 4-9) for a 7 p.m. game between two teams at the bottom of the SEC West standings.

The 6-foot-7, 245-pound Mitchell did it all when the teams last met, scoring 38 points on 15-for-22 shooting and grabbing 10 rebounds in an 84-80 Auburn win in Baton Rouge, La., in January.

The senior has been a lone bright spot for LSU (10-17, 1-12 SEC), which snapped a 14-game conference losing streak with a win Wednesday against Arkansas. He’s averaged 17.6 points and 9.6 rebounds and leads the SEC in playing time at 37.7 minutes a game.

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