AUBURN, Ala. (AP) - The Auburn Tigers are once again sitting out the postseason, but they finally gave Jeff Lebo a season to build on.

The Tigers supplied some evidence they're on the rise. Notably a winning season, a sweep of Alabama and a roster that is growing up together.

The Tigers' 17 overall victories and seven Southeastern Conference wins represented their best totals since the 2002-03 season. That wasn't good enough to merit a bid to the NCAA tournament or even the N-I-T, but it's a start.

Auburn, which wound up 17-and-15, is expected to return every player next season barring transfers or other defections. That means a veteran lineup for a change for the Tigers.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)