AUBURN -- Apparently, all Auburn was missing was Chris Denson.

The Tigers' three-game winning streak has coincided with the junior guard's return to the starting lineup. Head coach Tony Barbee said that isn't a coincidence.

"He's one of those guys who plays with a swagger," Barbee said. "He's as good as anybody on that floor, and he's out to prove it. That feeling becomes contagious, and some other guys are playing off his confidence."

Denson's confidence was on full display during the first half of Auburn's game against Tennessee Tech Tuesday.

With 6:42 remaining in the first half, forward Allen Payne grabbed a loose ball after Jordan Price blocked a shot. Denson - a "one-man fast break" Barbee said -- immediately began to sprint down the floor. Payne found him a few steps outside of the three-point line and the 6-foot-2 guard took one dribble and elevated over 6-5 forward Matt Marseille for a spectacular dunk.

"I saw the dude coming, kind of chopping his feet trying to block it," Denson said. "I guess he thought I couldn't jump or something."

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