Earlier in the week, while discussing Auburn, I explained why I think the Tigers deserve their No. 1 ranking but acknowledged I also find it hard to believe they're actually the best team in the country without the injured Johni Broome.

In the absence of Broome, Auburn front-liner Chaney Johnson stepped up and delivered. Not only did Johnson tie his season high in minutes (34), but he had 17 points, eight rebounds and four blocks.