There’s nothing quite like the electricity in Neville Arena when the Auburn Tigers and Alabama Crimson Tide take the hardwood for their storied SEC basketball rivalry. On Saturday, February 7, 2026, that energy reached a fever pitch as the two teams—locked in identical 5-4 conference records and both hungry for a statement win—clashed in a battle that delivered thrills, heartbreak, and a showcase of some of the SEC’s brightest stars. In the end, Alabama emerged victorious, outlasting Auburn 96-92 in a game that will be remembered for its late-game heroics and three-point shooting fireworks.
The build-up to this contest was immense, and for good reason. Auburn entered with a 14-8 overall record and Alabama at 15-7, both teams eyeing a strong position for March’s NCAA tournament. The last time these rivals met at Neville Arena, Alabama had eked out a 93-91 overtime win, and the Tigers were desperate to flip the script in front of their home crowd. Oddsmakers and analytics alike pegged this as an even matchup—KenPom gave Auburn a 57% chance of victory, projecting a razor-thin 88-86 Tigers win, while sportsbooks favored Auburn by 1.5 to 2 points and set the over/under at a whopping 176 points. Fans and bettors alike expected fireworks, and that’s exactly what they got.
From the opening tip, both teams played with the intensity befitting such a heated rivalry. Auburn’s defense set the tone early, forcing nine Alabama turnovers in the first half and converting them into 15 points. The Tigers dominated the glass as well, finishing the half with a plus-six rebound margin and grabbing 10 offensive boards for 12 crucial second-chance points. Auburn’s ability to control the paint and attack the basket kept them in front for much of the first half, leading by as many as six points and holding a 52-47 advantage at the break.
But Alabama, as they have all season, refused to let up. The Crimson Tide, known for their up-tempo offense and reliance on the three-ball, found their rhythm in the second half. Although they attempted a season-low 23 three-pointers, they made them count, connecting on a season-best 52.2% from beyond the arc—including seven triples after halftime. "The 3-ball prevailed in the latest installment, and naturally so, in favor of the offense that’s shined by way of it all season," reported the Montgomery Advertiser. This shooting display proved to be the difference as Alabama erased Auburn’s lead and surged ahead in the final minutes.
A key storyline was the performance of former Tiger Aden Holloway, now suiting up for the Crimson Tide. Holloway came up clutch against his old team, tallying nine of his 15 points in the game’s last three minutes. His late-game poise was matched by Alabama’s star guard Labaron Philon Jr., who entered the game as the SEC’s leading scorer at 21.4 points per game. Philon contributed a steady 25 points, matching Auburn’s Tahaad Pettiford, who also poured in a game-high 25 in a losing effort.
For Auburn, the offensive load was shouldered by Pettiford, Keyshawn Hall, and Kevin Overton. Hall, who has been a scoring machine of late and is a top contender for SEC Player of the Year, finished with 24 points, while Overton added 17. Despite their efforts, Auburn’s offense was far from efficient, especially from long range. The Tigers hoisted 28 three-point attempts but connected on just 32.1%, a stat that ultimately hampered their ability to keep pace with Alabama’s sharpshooting down the stretch.
The game featured all the drama fans could ask for: multiple lead changes, momentum swings, and critical plays in crunch time. With under two minutes to play, Auburn’s KeShawn Murphy drilled a much-needed three-pointer to cut Alabama’s lead to 89-86, keeping hope alive for the home team. But Holloway and Philon responded with clutch buckets and free throws, sealing the Crimson Tide’s second consecutive rivalry win and improving their record to 16-7 overall, 6-4 in the SEC. Auburn, meanwhile, dropped to 14-9 and 5-5 in conference play, left to rue missed opportunities and cold shooting from deep.
“It hasn’t led since the midway point of the second half, but it’s hung within a possession of the Crimson Tide, and it’ll need to step up on defense if it wants to come out victorious,” noted the Montgomery Advertiser during live coverage. The Tigers managed to slow Alabama’s high-octane offense at times, limiting the Tide to just 16 first-half shot attempts, but couldn’t maintain that defensive pressure when it mattered most.
Alabama’s victory was a testament to their offensive efficiency and the ability to execute under pressure. The Crimson Tide, who average 91.6 points per game and boast the nation’s third-ranked offense by adjusted efficiency, flexed their firepower even when Auburn tried to dictate the tempo. Despite Auburn’s attempts to extend possessions and limit Alabama’s opportunities, the Tide’s quick-strike offense and three-point prowess proved too much to overcome.
The rivalry atmosphere was palpable throughout Neville Arena, with legendary broadcaster Dick Vitale joining the ESPN2 crew for the occasion. Before the game, Auburn honored longtime broadcaster Marshall, who passed away on January 31, 2026, with a touching tribute in the media room—a poignant reminder of the history and tradition that surrounds this matchup.
Both teams featured their stars in the starting lineups: for Auburn, it was Pettiford, Overton, Hall, Sebastian Williams-Adams, and Murphy; for Alabama, Philon, Holloway, Latrell Wrightsell Jr., Amari Allen, and Aiden Sherrell. Notably, Alabama’s Taylor Bol Bowen, the team’s third-leading rebounder, was listed as a game-time decision but made an appearance, adding depth to the Tide’s rotation.
As the SEC season grinds on, this result shakes up the conference standings and adds another memorable chapter to the Auburn-Alabama rivalry. For Alabama, the win is a confidence booster as they look to solidify their NCAA tournament resume and chase down the SEC’s top teams. Auburn, on the other hand, will have to regroup quickly, with another tough matchup looming against Vanderbilt.
Saturday’s showdown proved once again why this rivalry is one of the best in college basketball. With postseason implications, passionate fanbases, and a dramatic finish, the Tigers and Crimson Tide delivered a classic. As the dust settles, Alabama walks away with bragging rights—at least until the next battle on the hardwood.