AUBURN -- After winning three consecutive games on the strength of outside shooting and perimeter defense, Auburn failed on both counts in a 74-67 loss against Winthrop on Satuday night.

Senior guard Frankie Sullivan hit Auburn's first three-pointer four minutes into the game. After 28 minutes and 13 straight missed shots from behind the arc, junior guard Chris Denson hit Auburn's second three-pointer with six minutes remaining. The Tigers finished 3-of-23 from three-point range with Sullivan missing nine of his 11 three-pointers attempted.

Winthrop guard Christian Farmer's four three-pointersignited a 20-4 run in the second half and helped keep Auburn at arm's length.

Coach Tony Barbee said Auburn's lack of energy and hustle on the defensive end was related to the holidays.

"This game is always scary for coaches around the country," Barbee said. "Teams get beat at home, because the team that's locked in and thinking of winning first, and then after the game thinking about what you are going to do for the holidays is usually the one that wins. Obviously, we weren't thinking about winning."

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