Heron returning to practice

AUBURN | Auburn could have its top player back in the lineup for a key matchup against Middle Tennessee Saturday.

Mustapha Heron suffered back spasms against Gardner-Webb Dec. 6 and missed last Saturday’s 85-80 win over UAB.

“Mustapha is going to try to practice today,” Auburn coach Bruce Pearl said. “He’s had a very good week. The trainers have done a great job with him. I think final’s break couldn’t have come at a better time from the standpoint of letting that back relax.

“He’s worked out individually with the coaches and trainers and today will be his first day back so we’ll see how he responds.”

A sophomore, Heron is averaging 15.9 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. He led the Tigers in scoring as a true freshman last season.

“Of course, that’s just great to have one of your best players missing, win a game and then getting him back this game,” junior Desean Murray said. “We’re just excited and ready for this game. Mustapha is a great player and we’re excited to have him back.”

The Blue Raiders are 7-1 on the season, ranked 13th in the NCAA RPI and are coming off wins over Vanderbilt and Ole Miss. Auburn is off to an 8-1 start but just 57th in RPI.

“It’s going to be a big challenge and it’s going to be a fun matchup,” Murray said. “We get to play them in Birmingham so it’s a neutral site. That will also count a little bit for us. They beat us a couple of years ago so that will be a chance to redeem us on that loss.”

Tip-off at Legacy Arena in Birmingham is set for 5 p.m. CT on the SEC Network.