The No. 20 Auburn women’s basketball team has embraced the number that sits next to its name.

Instead of brushing it off and chalking it up to mere preseason speculation, the Tigers have taken it as a sign of respect, a stepping stone for motivation.

Now, just three games into the season, Auburn will get its first big test to see if it can maintain that distinction today, when it hosts No. 17 Ohio State at Beard-Eaves-Memorial Coliseum. Tip off is set for 2 p.m.

“I think this is big in their terms,” coach Nell Fortner said. “Just as a coach, it’s a great matchup.”

The biggest matchup concern centers on Ohio State’s 6-foot-4 center Jantel Lavender.

Lavender, the reigning Big Ten player of the week, is averaging 23 points and 13 rebounds per game.

While DeWanna Bonner matches up with Lavender in height, she will be at a size disadvantage, specifically in the post, where Lavender scores most of her points. Lavender scored 22 points and grabbed 17 rebounds in the teams’ game in Columbus last season, when Auburn topped the Buckeyes, 67-58.

“We’ll have our hands full with her like we did last year,” Fortner said. “Very hard to defend. We’ll try to keep the ball out of her hands the best we can and then try to defend her the best we can when she gets it.”

Though Big 10 basketball as a whole is a bit slower-paced and “coach-oriented,” the Buckeyes have the ability to put up points fast. They have scored at least 75 points in their first three games.

“They’re a very quick team,” Fortner said. “They’re quick with the tempo, a lot more than last year.”

Quick might not be the best way to describe how Auburn has started its last two games.

The Tigers have shot just 35 percent (27-of-77) from the field in their past two first halves, and have not taken what Fortner considers the best possible shots.

But there’s been plenty to be encouraged about Auburn’s performance in the second half, where it has done enough to distance itself and win by double digits.

“It’s kind of been a blessing in disguise because it allowed us an opportunity to work on it,” Fortner said. “I am very happy with how we have come back in the second half.”

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