Allen Payne will likely miss the rest of the season (Todd Van Emst, Auburn file).-- Auburn starting small forward Allen Payne is likely done for the season after undergoing surgery.
An Auburn spokesperson confirmed that Payne underwent surgery today to repair left lateral meniscus at Andrews Institute in Gulf Breeze, Fla.
A sophomore from Cincinnati, Payne was a starter early in the year, but was benched around Christmas for lack of production. He slowly worked his way back into the rotation and eventually the starting lineup. In recent games he had been much more assertive offensively, scoring a season-high 15 against the Razorbacks.
"My primary role, and I know that and have accepted that, is defense," Payne said recently. "I can always control that, always bring energy that way. But I can contribute offensively. If I get an open shot, I'll take it and knock it down. I have confidence in myself to do that."
On the year, Payne averaged 4.3 points and 4.0 rebounds per game.
Auburn is already missing shooting guard Josh Langford, who sustained a concussion Jan. 25. Two other players -- guards Varez Ward and Chris Denson -- are currently suspended.
On Monday, Auburn coach Tony Barbee said he expects players to step up and cited Payne as a "perfect example."
"He's battled his way back into the rotation. He's battled his way back into the starting lineup. He's starting to perform well," Barbee said.
The lateral meniscus is a band on the knee joint. Payne was hurt in the second half of Saturday's Arkansas game. It was originally described as an ankle injury.
Edited at 5:02 p.m. to reflect comment from Auburn spokesperson, add details about the injury, delete references to ankle.